Train drivers in Germany will carry out a 20-hour warning strike

The German Machinists’ Union (GDL) decided to start a nationwide warning strike after the failure of collective agreement negotiations with the German Railways (Deutsche Bahn).

The GDL statement states that railway employees will hold a 20-hour collective warning strike on November 15 to force employers to pay better wages against unusually high inflation.

The strike by Deutsche Bahn drivers and security guards will begin at 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, and will continue until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16.

WHAT DOES THE UNION WANT?

The union demands a monthly salary increase of 555 euros for Deutsche Bahn employees, especially drivers, and a payment of up to 3,000 euros to fight inflation.

GDL also wants the working day to be reduced from 38 to 35 hours per week, without any salary cuts.

Deutsche Bahn did not accept the union’s demands and accused GDL of not being interested in a solution for the employees.

Deutsche Bahn human resources director Martin Seiler said: “This strike is completely unnecessary” and accused the union of acting “irresponsibly.”

The work stoppage, which will begin tomorrow, is expected to disrupt all rail transportation across the country.

The German Railways, a public company, operates approximately 860 long-distance trains and more than 20 thousand urban trains daily.

On the other hand, the United Service Sector Union (Ver.di) called on the workers of the DB Direkt GmbH subsidiary of Deutsche Bank to carry out a one-day strike tomorrow. (AA)