The German Train Drivers’ Union halts its strike temporarily to engage in negotiations.

The German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) has temporarily suspended its industrial action while entering negotiations with Deutsche Bahn executives. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to be announced later this week.

GDL Halts Strikes During Negotiations with Deutsche Bahn

Following the commencement of negotiations on March 16, the GDL has decided to halt any strike activities until further notice. According to a press release from the GDL, the ongoing discussions have been described as "intensive but constructive," with progress made on various fronts. While specific details of the agreement have yet to be disclosed, this development marks a significant shift after several months of regular strikes and a recent period of unpredictable strike actions following a deadlock in negotiations.

Since November, the primary issue in negotiations has been the GDL's call for a reduction in the working week from 38 to 35 hours, with no corresponding decrease in pay. The union has stated that the results of the current negotiation round will be made public later this week.

Scrutiny on German Strike Laws Amid Deutsche Bahn Disruptions

Despite being the smaller of the two unions at Deutsche Bahn, with EVG being the larger one, the GDL's membership consisting of train drivers gives it the ability to significantly disrupt rail services during a strike. Given that GDL members were among various groups negotiating new collective bargaining agreements and staging strikes in recent months, including Lufthansa staff, doctors, bus and tram drivers, the impact of industrial action has been particularly notable.

In light of the widespread disruptions, critics, including FDP general secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai, CDU/CSU politicians, and the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine, have called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to consider restricting strikes in critical infrastructure. Responding to these concerns, Chancellor Scholz addressed the issue during a session in the Bundestag last week, emphasizing that the right to strike is enshrined in the constitution and is a fundamental democratic right earned through the struggles of unions and workers. He also highlighted that Germany has one of the lowest numbers of strike days per year among European countries.