Existential conflict for the GDL. For the GDL train drivers’ union (34,000 members), which obtained the right to sign a special collective agreement for train drivers after spectacular strikes in 2007-2008, the stake of the conflict isn’t a simple wage claim. What is at stake is also its raison d’être and its status of full-fledged negotiator. “Employers want to impose their strength once again. We’re ready to face the challenge” warned Claus Weselsky, GDL leader, with a solemn face, in a podcast uploaded on February 8th on the union’s website. In concrete terms, the GDL blames the six major private operators (Abellio, Arriva Deutschland, BeNEX, Keolis Deutschland, Veolia Verkehr and the undertakings of the Hessische Landesbahn) for breaking their promise to sign a federal framework agreement valid for all train drivers in Germany (BuRA-LfTV – see our dispatch No. 110048). According to GDL, private businesses now want to extend to train drivers the collective agreement they already signed with the majority railroaders’ union, EVG (see our dispatch No. 110034). GDL, which represented over 80% of train drivers, says it is the only legitimate union to sign agreements for its members.
major private operators (Abellio, Arriva Deutschland, BeNEX, Keolis Deutschland, Veolia Verkehr and the undertakings of the Hessische Landesbahn) for breaking their promise to sign a federal framework agreement valid for all train drivers in Germany (BuRA-LfTV – see our dispatch No. 110048). According to GDL, private businesses now want to extend to train drivers the collective agreement they already signed with the majority railroaders’ union, EVG (see our dispatch No. 110034). GDL, which
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