BDA Managing Director Steffen Kampeter commented on the strike decided on by the train drivers:

Berlin, 10 August 2021 With its strike decided today, the GDL shows once again that it is primarily concerned with power interests and not with actually reaching a collective agreement. This is not only irresponsible but also incomprehensible, especially in these times.

With its actions, the GDL is endangering the already difficult recovery of the economy. Companies and businesses now need stability and planning security. Reliable freight transport is therefore just as essential for strengthening the still fragile economic upturn as smooth local and long-distance passenger transport.

When individual occupational groups cripple a company in this way, it is an abuse of the autonomy of collective bargaining. It shows that individual interests of groups of employees must not be carried out on the backs of a company and the vast majority of the remaining employees.

The GDL should return to the negotiating table quickly.