Railway Fare Dispute: Deutsche Bahn Invites GDL to Talks

Amid a persistent strike by railway conductors, Deutsche Bahn sees a possible turning point in the wage dispute and offers locomotive drivers a new basis for negotiation. The call for talks on the coming Monday was formally conveyed via an official letter to the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL). The olive branch from the rail transport giant comes during a 35-hour strike that has significantly affected long-distance, regional, and freight traffic. In the meantime, the GDL insists on an improved wage offer from Deutsche Bahn before it would consider the offer to talk, setting a deadline by Sunday evening. The negotiating parties continue to have differing views regarding working hours, salaries, and contract durations. The union strictly rejects the railway's suggested cancellation of existing holiday regulations. So far, mediation attempts have led to the proposal to gradually reduce the number of working hours - a compromise that has not yet seemed sufficient to the GDL. On the other hand, the railway emphasizes that it has already considered making significant concessions and points to its willingness to go beyond its own "pain thresholds." Meanwhile, despite plans to end the work stoppages by early Friday afternoon, the company is maintaining a reduced basic service in long-distance traffic. However, only a fraction of the usual train connections will remain, a circumstance that significantly complicates both travel and supply chain plans for many.