First arbitration, then ballot, but peace in the meantime for DB-EVG
The long bargaining and negotiation period between DB and EVG could possibly reach an end. The two sides decided to have an arbitration period and attempt to find common ground with the mediation of chosen representatives. The arbitration will take place between 17 and 31 July. After its result is known, EVG will go to the ballots to decide whether industrial action is the next step.
The two parties chose an arbitrator each to take negotiations to the next side. DB’s representative will be the politician Dr Thomas de Maizere, while lawyer and politician Prof. Dr Heide Pfarr will sit on the negotiation table on EVG’s behalf. For EVG, there is one more step before the official arbitration period commences on 17 July. The association’s federal executive board still needs to vote and approve this scheme. The vote will take place on 11 July; however, chances that it will be negative are minimal.
No strikes in the meantime
The two sides decided to use the arbitration period for peace and recollection. No strikes are allowed between 17 and 31 July, while both parties will keep a radio silence on the developments since confidentiality is among the main clauses of the arbitration agreement. The result of this process will be publicly available on 31 July at the latest, according to EVG.
From there, and based on the arbitration’s results, EVG will go to the ballots to decide whether a strike is a possible scenario. Of course, the arbitration’s results will be critical in determining the voting results. However, EVG is determined to let its members vote no matter the outcome. The ballot will start in August and last for four weeks so that all EVG members will have the chance to vote, given that it is also a holiday period.
How will the arbitration work? According to DB, “representatives of both sides meet with the arbitrators behind closed doors and look for solutions and compromises. The arbitration ends with the arbitrator’s verdict. If both sides agree to the arbitrator’s verdict, the collective bargaining conflict is over, and there is a collective bargaining result”.
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