Deutsche Bahn court bid fails to stop strike

Representatives of Deutsche Bahn and the train drivers' union GDL could not reach a compromise in court in Frankfurt on Thursday evening, meaning that the longest strike in the Bahn's history can continue.

Judge Ursula Schmidt led an hours-long attempt to reach a compromise agreement that did not bear fruit; once this failed, she rejected the Bahn's initial injunction seeking to halt the strike. Schmidt ruled that the strike was proportionate and did not breach any laws.

The sticking point in the compromise talks was the GDL's desire to negotiate on behalf of more than just train drivers and engineers, who make up only around 10 percent of the total workforce. The larger EVG trade union for rail and public transport staff opposes the GDL's desire, saying it is trying to usurp members and influence.

Union chairman Claus Weselsky insisted that any arbitration agreement state that the deal could overrule existing collective bargaining agreements for other sectors. Train drivers and engineers comprise only around 10 percent of the rail service's total staff - although their role is of paramount importance to operating the rail network. A similar dispute involving a "niche" trade union - pilots' union Cockpit - has caused repeated problems this year for German flagship carrier Lufthansa.

The strike is to be the largest of six carried out so far this year by the GDL union. If it runs through Monday morning as currently planned, it would be the biggest in the Bahn's history. On Wednesday, the first day of disruptions, only freight services were affected.

Deutsche Bahn can contest the late-night ruling at a higher court, Hessen's state labor court. German news agency DPA reported that the appeal hearing could begin as early as Friday morning.

msh/rc (AFP, dpa, Reuters)