Overview
- In remarks reported from a Stern interview, Claus Weselsky said the GDL has become less visible and now promotes a team instead of a clear public figurehead.
- He praised successor Mario Reiß for securing a late‑February agreement with Deutsche Bahn without strikes but argued the union underplayed its message in the media.
- The former chief, who led the GDL from 2008 to 2024 and was known for confrontational tactics, called strikes a powerful instrument that does not work everywhere.
- He criticized CDU figure Friedrich Merz’s comments on part‑time work as off base, saying reforms succeed only when people are brought along.
- He said he still works part time in retirement, serving on a GDL‑members’ cooperative board and as a vice chair at the Deutscher Beamtenbund.