Advertisement

Businesses say train strikes cost over €500m

DPA/The Local
DPA/The Local - [email protected]
Businesses say train strikes cost over €500m
GDL boss Claus Weselsky and DIHK chief Martin Wansleben. Photos: DPA

The federation of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) said on Friday that strikes by train drivers' union GDL have cost Germany over half a billion Euros.

Advertisement

GDL had successfully made themselves into a "brake on the economy," DIHK chief Martin Wansleben told Bild.

Further strikes in the run-up to Christmas would have especially severe consequences, Wansleben warned, impacting Christmas shopping and tourism.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) is to begin separate talks with GDL and rival union EVG on Friday after three-way negotiations fell through earlier this week.

In its battle for higher pay, shorter hours and the right to take over representation of more rail staff from EVG, the GDL has walked out six times since the beginning of September.

SEE ALSO: Rail strikes not over yet: local GDL boss

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also