(new: more details Bahn/GDL)

BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - With a 35-hour strike at Deutsche Bahn, the train drivers' union GDL is recalling itself to the attention of passengers. "35 hours so that everyone in Germany realizes what we are about: namely the 35-hour week," said GDL boss Claus Weselsky on Monday. The strike in passenger transport is to last from Thursday at 2.00 am until Friday at 1.00 pm. In freight transport, it will begin on Wednesday at 6.00 pm and end on Friday at 5.00 am. The union does not intend to announce further industrial action around two days in advance, as has been the case to date.

"We will start so-called wave strikes," emphasized Weselsky. He also did not rule out strikes during the upcoming Easter traffic. "This means that the railroads are no longer a reliable means of transport," he said. "It is very likely that the so-called emergency timetable will also not be possible." The railroad had always drawn up such a hull timetable during previous industrial disputes in the ongoing wage dispute in order to maintain at least a severely restricted service.

Martin Seiler, Deutsche Bahn's Chief Human Resources Officer, criticized the GDL's approach as "stubborn and selfish". "These so-called wave strikes are a sheer imposition for our passengers." The industrial action will have a considerable impact on operations. The company announced that it would inform passengers as quickly and comprehensively as possible. "We appeal to the GDL to come back to the negotiating table and find solutions that are in everyone's interest," explained Seiler.

The interest group Allianz pro Schiene also criticized the union's approach. "With so-called wave strikes, the union is depriving passengers of the opportunity to at least prepare for them and reschedule accordingly," said Managing Director Dirk Flege. "The damage to the rail system is immense - and it will only get worse with ad hoc strikes like this."

The most recent phase of negotiations between the two bargaining parties was broken off last week without a result. On Monday, Weselsky once again accused Deutsche Bahn of refusing to accept a reduction in working hours from 38 to 35 hours per week for shift workers without financial losses. The GDL had already backed away from many demands during the four weeks of negotiations in order to concentrate on this point in particular. "Despite all this, Deutsche Bahn AG has not been able to reach a compromise with us."

This is not the only labor dispute that is causing problems for travelers this week. Shortly before the GDL, Verdi had also called for warning strikes at Lufthansa. All ground staff are to strike on Thursday and Friday. The strike is to begin at 4.00 a.m. on Thursday and end at 7.10 a.m. on Saturday. This will also lead to considerable restrictions in air traffic./maa/DP/nas