The overview in short reports on developments, results and assessments relating to German politics:
Spahn accuses GDL of blackmail – “We need new strike rights”
In view of the consequences of the train drivers’ strike for citizens and the economy, the Union is accusing the GDL train drivers’ union of blackmail. The deputy CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn told the Bild newspaper: “This borders on blackmail and must end as quickly as possible.” The damage to citizens and the economy is great. “The constant and long-lasting strikes at the railways are poison for our economy. Citizens are rightly annoyed,” said Spahn. He called on the GDL leadership to quickly return to the negotiating table with the railway. At the same time, he called for changes to the right to strike for companies in the critical infrastructure sector. Accordingly, arbitration proceedings must become mandatory before strikes. “We need a new right to strike for our critical infrastructure,” said Spahn.
BDI calls on the EU Commission to achieve a greater balance between economic openness and security
The Federation of German Industries is calling on the European Commission to do more to achieve the promised balance between economic openness and improving the European Union’s defensive instruments. The EU Commission had previously presented its strategy for economic security in the region. It is good that Europe is taking its time in controlling outbound outbound investments, as this contributes to this balance, as Wolfgang Niedermark, member of the BDI’s executive board, said. “In principle, economic security in the EU should include much more than the toolbox that is repeatedly cited. So far, the Commission has delivered almost exclusively on the protective measures of its three-pillar strategy. That is not enough,” complained Niedermark. The industry also needs better framework conditions and resilient international partnerships. “Only if the EU relies on our strengths and further expands them aggressively will the European economy overcome the challenges of diversification and de-risking,” he said.
BDA: GDL is abusing the industrial dispute
The President of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), Rainer Dulger, harshly criticized the strike by the train drivers’ union GDL. “This strike is disproportionate. The union is abusing the industrial action,” he said. This damages the reputation of collective bargaining autonomy. The employer president emphasized that strikes are a legitimate means of supporting collective bargaining demands. “However, it goes too far when the population, which has nothing to do with this dispute, is repeatedly affected for weeks. Not to mention the economic damage: every day of strike costs our economy around 100 million euros.” It shows once again that irregular strikes are damaging the country. It is right that politicians start to think about rules for fair strikes. “This is urgently needed, especially in terms of infrastructure,” emphasized Dulger.
Association: Platzeck should mediate between the railways and GDL again
The Pro Bahn passenger association is bringing the former Brandenburg Prime Minister Matthias Platzeck (SPD) into play as a possible mediator in the collective bargaining dispute between the train drivers’ union GDL and Deutsche Bahn. “Matthias Platzeck would certainly be suitable to carry out arbitration,” said the association’s federal chairman, Detlef Neuß, to the Rheinische Post. Platzeck has the necessary experience in dealing with collective bargaining disputes. “Arbitration is now extremely necessary,” emphasized Neuß. “The conflicting parties must finally come together.”
BDI: Damage from rail strike is up to 1 billion euros
In view of the six-day strike by the train drivers’ union GDL, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) has warned of economic damage totaling up to 1 billion euros and called for negotiations. “The BDI appeals to the common sense and willingness to negotiate of all those involved and calls for a rapid resolution of the collective bargaining dispute,” said BDI General Manager Tanja Gönner. “The GDL’s announcement is met with enormous incomprehension in the industry. The train drivers’ strike to date is likely to cause enormous problems for the companies affected.” There was a threat of further tough restrictions, including individual production outages, cutbacks and shutdowns in the industry.
Union against legal right to home office
The Union has criticized a legal right to work from home, which Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is reportedly examining, as an “economic policy aberration”. “Germany is in the middle of a recession,” said the economic policy spokeswoman for the Union parliamentary group, Julia Klöckner (CDU). “We now expect growth impulses from the Minister of Economic Affairs, not new restrictions and shackles.” The fact that the Minister of Economic Affairs in particular is proposing the legal right to work from home shows “how far removed he is from the economic reality of our country and its companies”. Companies are now more than ever in competition for skilled workers and workers, and attractive jobs are a given. Where mobile working is possible, it is usually already offered and practiced. “But there are also operational reasons that speak against a mandatory right to work from home,” emphasized Klöckner. Habeck should have more trust in the economy instead of continuing to propose unsuitable requirements.
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January 24, 2024 6:00 p.m. ET (11:00 p.m. GMT)