Renewed German strikes
October 7, 2014
Germany's GDL union representing train drivers at the country's main rail operator Deutsche Bahn called on members to join a nine-hour strike Tuesday night after a vote for more industrial action in a protracted pay dispute.
The GDL said the strike would start at 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) on Tuesday and end at 2 a.m.on Wednesday as the union sought to secure a 5-percent pay hike and shorter working hours.
It's also claiming the right to negotiate pay for other railway staff such as conductors who are traditionally represented by a rival union.
Compromise not in sight
GDL boss Claus Weselsky told German public broadcaster hr-info that management should have learned during the two recent warning strikes how serious the union is about its demands. "Nobody should expect us to cave in," he commented.
Separately, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), a union representing Lufthansa pilots, has announced a walkout Wednesday and Thursday, but only at the airline's cargo unit, meaning no passenger flights will be affected.
Recent strike action hit the company's passenger operations as pilots demanded Lufthansa maintain generous transition payment for those wanting early retirement at 55.
Lufthansa executives said the perks formerly granted to pilots could no longer be upheld, with costs involved spiraling out of control and not being in line with the German flagship carrier's recent drive to streamline operations and become more profitable.
hg/sgb (dpa, AFP)