Germany: GDL train driver ends conflict with four private rail companies

Compromise.  After 10 months of bargaining, massive warning strikes and a mediation procedure which lasted for 11 weeks, run by Georg Milbradt, former Prime Minister of Saxony, the GDL and four private companies (Ostdeutsche Eisenbahngesellschaft ODEG, cantus Verkehrsgesellschaft, metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft and AKN Eisenbahn) finally reached an understanding.  “Of course we would have liked more, but we’re happy with the compromise reached” GDL spokesperson Gerda Seibert told Planet Labor.  Thus, the four companies refused to sign the federal framework agreement (Bundesrahmen-Lokomotivführertarifvertrag, BuRa-TV) which would have forced them to pay the same basic salary as the Deutsche Bahn (DB) (see our dispatch No.  110267).  However, in return, they adopted the company collective agreements (Haustarifvertrag) providing for decent wage increases.  The first increase, in 2012, will be of 6% at ODEG, 5% at cantus, and 4% at metronome and AKN.  In 2013, the four companies’ employees will get another increase, of 3%.  “With these increases, the wages paid by AKN and metronome will be close to the DB’s.  At cantus and ODEG, the gap is lower but still subsequent” the spokesperson recognized.  In addition to these wage increases, the company collective agreements also provide for an increase in bonuses (night work and work on Sundays and national holidays) and for new qualification measures.  Like the BuRa-TV federal collective agreement, they introduce assistance for train drivers who are traumatized after a severe passenger accident.  “Traumatized train drivers who can no longer drive may attend training to perform a new job within the group” Seibert explained.