In the wage dispute with the union of German locomotive drivers (GDL), Deutsche Bahn does not want to present a new offer for the time being.

DB boss Richard Lutz asked GDL chairman Claus Weselsky to negotiate again: “We are sitting at the negotiating table, our hand is outstretched, the door is wide open.

It is up to Mr Weselsky to come to the table now and not stand outside and paralyze the entire country, ”Lutz told the editorial network in Germany.

The differences in the ideas of the railways and GDL are "not at all so great as to justify these serious effects on the mobility of people and the supply of the economy," said rail boss Lutz.

The GDL is calling for 3.2 percent more wages and a corona bonus, the railway offers 3.2 percent more wages and a corona bonus.

The only difference is the term of the two sides.

"Will not come empty-handed"

“We will find a solution to this question, and it can be done very quickly. We now have to go this little bit of the way together - at the negotiating table, ”said Lutz. He indicated that the railway was accommodating: “We will certainly not come empty-handed.” Lutz accused the GDL of “changing the character of collective bargaining. Collective bargaining takes place at the negotiating table. This basically applies in Germany, and so far it has also applied to the railways, ”he told the RND.

GDL boss Weselsky had promised further labor disputes on Wednesday if the railway should not present an improved tariff offer.

The GDL is calling for a wage increase of 3.2 percent as well as a corona bonus of 600 euros and better working conditions.

The railway offers 3.2 percent more wages, but wants to implement the levels later and demands a longer term.

On Sunday, she had also offered negotiations about a corona premium, but did not give a specific number.

The GDL rejected this as a "sham offer".

Criticism from the passenger association

The passenger association Pro Bahn criticized the fact that the railway does not want to submit a new offer. "It is understandable when the GDL then asks what it should actually negotiate," said Federal Chairman Detlef Neuss to the RND. It is clear to everyone that the GDL will not receive the required premium of 600 euros. "But it would be helpful if DB finally made a suggestion itself."