German colleagues on strike: That’s how angry Swiss train drivers are

class=”sc-29f61514-0 fwWrRV”>

German train drivers are angry! You want 555 euros more per month. And work three hours less per week; at full price. That’s why most trains stop today. Up to 80 percent of long-distance connections are expected to be canceled. Cross-border trains to Switzerland were also affected.

It is unthinkable for train drivers to strike in Switzerland. But the mood here was also better. “We have a well-functioning social partnership in Switzerland, so thank God we do not have to resort to drastic measures such as warning strikes,” Matthias Hartwich tells the “Tages-Anzeiger” newspaper. He is President of the Swiss Transport Personnel Union (SEV).

Private life is harmed

And yet: there is also great dissatisfaction among train drivers in Switzerland. They criticize working conditions. “Many people feel restricted in their private lives due to set work schedules,” says Hanny Weissmüller, President of the Swiss Locomotive Personnel (LPV), in the report.

Many will complain of fatigue, frustration, disordered eating, and a difficult social network. Staff shortages are still clearly felt. In short, the private lives of train drivers are damaged. The situation remains tense. SBB, by far the largest employer with around 4,000 train drivers, has extended tours from nine hours to ten and 10.5 hours to avoid having to employ fewer staff.

Wage negotiations continue

Many people are also unhappy with the salaries. Weissmüller summarizes the situation as follows: “Wages are not in line with the market. “They do not take into account special situations such as night work, Sunday work, and long journeys to work.” This especially prevents women from choosing the profession of train driver, he tells “Tages-Anzeiger”.

Wage negotiations are currently ongoing with SBB and other railway companies in Switzerland. There is no deal on the table yet. “The last rites have not yet been said,” said Hartwich dryly. (pbe)

Source :Blick