After the end of the longest rail strike to date, the train drivers' union GDL is not planning a new strike for the time being.

"Of course you have to give the other side a bit of time and the opportunity to correct themselves," said GDL boss Claus Weselsky in the MDR.

He thinks that is still possible.

According to Weselsky, the railway board has got stuck.

"Then it is of course not easy to get off this saddled horse." But he is betting on a solution.

The federal government as owner is also required.

Deutsche Bahn continues to insist on a solution at the negotiating table.

Despite the more than five-day strike by the GDL, there is currently no new offer from the railway in the wage dispute.

"There is an offer on the table that already fulfills essential demands of the union," said a railway spokeswoman on Tuesday.

“The GDL must finally give up its blockade and negotiate with us.

We are ready to do this at any time. "

Demands of the GDL

The GDL ended its third and longest strike to date on Tuesday morning.

Union leader Claus Weselsky called for another offer on Monday that would enable the union to conclude a collective agreement for all members in the various rail companies.

He also demanded wage increases for employees as in the public sector from this year, a corona bonus and the continuation of the previous company pension system.

The railway had recently promised the union a corona bonus of up to 600 euros for 2021 and a shortening of the term of a collective agreement from 40 to 36 months.

The wages should rise in two stages by 3.2 percent.

The union demands, among other things, 3.2 percent, but with earlier payments.

Weselsky emphasized that the GDL's demand to conclude a collective agreement for all of its members was legitimate.

This also included dispatchers or workshop employees.

"As long as Deutsche Bahn wants to limit us to train drivers and train attendants, we will not be able to enter the negotiation mode."

It is up to the management of the railway whether there is another labor dispute.

"After the strike is before the strike," stressed Weselsky.