German train drivers' union to limit strikes next year to 5 days

Germany's GDL train drivers' union is planning strikes lasting between three and five days for 2024 to back up demands for increased pay and reduced working hours, GDL boss Claus Weselsky told the Thursday edition of the Rheinische Post newspaper, reported dpa.

"We will hold strikes from between three to a maximum of five days," Weselsky told the Dusseldorf-based daily.

GDL members had earlier approved unlimited strike action. "Calling an unlimited strike would not be right, with a view to customers and the economic consequences," Weselsky said. "We will live up to our responsibilities in this regard."

The GDL boss repeated an earlier guarantee that train drivers would not strike again before January 7.

GDL is calling for a reduction in the working week from 38 to 35 hours for shift workers on full pay. Deutsche Bahn (DB), the state-owned rail company, says this is not feasible, owing to a shortage of qualified staff.

The union is also demanding a pay increase of €555 ($608) as well as a tax-free inflation compensation bonus. DB has also rejected this and has offered an 11% pay increase for a period of 32 months.

Since the start of wage negotiations at the beginning of November, the GDL has brought passenger trains to a standstill twice with 20 and 24-hour strikes.