SPD leader Walter-Borjans criticizes train drivers’ strike
August 11, 2021, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Stralsund: A display board in the main hall of Stralsund Hauptbahnhof shows during the nationwide 48-hour train driver strike in Per…public transport and train cancellations in the rail infrastructure. The train drivers’ union GDL had called on its members to strike at Deutsche Bahn. Photo: Stefan Sauer / dpa +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++
Source: dpa / Stefan Sauer
The train drivers’ strike paralyzed large parts of the traffic at Deutsche Bahn. SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans criticizes the actions of the train drivers’ union. Effective representation of interests presupposes “gaining understanding among travelers”.
SPD boss Norbert Walter-Borjans has criticized the actions of the train drivers’ union GDL in the current rail strike. Effective representation of interests presupposes “bundling forces and gaining understanding among travelers”, said Walter-Borjans of the editorial network Germany (RND). “Neither will succeed if the groups of employees of the railway are divided and the customers are duped by practically unannounced strike actions.”
The unions EVG and GDL should pull together, said the SPD leader. “We need an efficient railway with attractive working conditions.” The SPD stands by the side of the employees at the railway, who “undoubtedly belong to the systemically important employees”. “A salary structure in which railway executives allow themselves hefty bonus payments, but the payment of train drivers apparently offers no incentive to fill the many vacancies, inevitably creates resentment.”
The train drivers’ strike brought rail traffic to a standstill in many places on Wednesday. The strike announced by the GDL had already started on Tuesday evening in freight traffic, and on Wednesday night it was extended to passenger traffic. In view of the strike, Deutsche Bahn complained that the supply chains in the industry were disrupted.
According to estimates by the German Economic Institute (IW), which is close to the employer, a long-term rail strike could result in economic costs of up to 100 million euros per day. “Short-term failures are not unusual in rail freight transport, the logisticians know that and can react accordingly,” said IW transport economist Thomas Puls to the RND. “From the fourth or fifth day onwards, however, there is a risk of supply chains breaking – and then it quickly becomes very expensive.”
According to the GDL, the strike is due to end on Friday for the time being. In the next week, the union will then decide on how to proceed.
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