In Germany, train drivers will end their fourth strike in three months early due to the resumption of negotiations. The German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) announced that their longest strike to date, a six-day stoppage, began for freight trains on January 23 and for passenger trains on January 24, and was scheduled to end on January 29. However, due to the resumption of wage negotiations with German Railways, the freight transport strike will now end at 18:00 local time on January 28, and the passenger transport strike will end at 14:00 on January 29.
GDL and German Railways have agreed to negotiate wage disputes privately over the next five weeks, emphasizing that there will be no new strikes until at least March 3. Martin Seiler, Director of Human Resources at German Railways, stated that wage negotiations with GDL are finally on track, adding, “Our employees also expect an early wage increase.”
Seiler reported that all topics were discussed in a constructive atmosphere with GDL, and a roadmap for final negotiations was established. Claus Weselsky, Chairman of GDL, described the willingness to negotiate all demands and thereby restart collective bargaining as a significant step taken at the right time.
Weselsky emphasized the importance of German Railways’ willingness to negotiate reduced working hours for shift workers, stating, “If an agreement is reached, it will be a strong signal for the entire railway system and support for enhancing the attractiveness of railway professions.”
UNION DEMANDS
The union demands an average monthly wage increase of 550 euros for railway company employees, including train drivers, which would mean an 18% increase in starting salaries for train drivers.
GDL is also requesting a one-time payment of up to 3,000 euros to combat inflation and wants the working hours of shift workers reduced from 38 to 35 hours per week without any pay cuts.
German Railways, on the other hand, is offering a 13% pay raise for train drivers who work 38 hours a week. It also proposes flexibility in working hours, rejecting the union’s demand to reduce hours due to workforce shortages.
Additionally, German Railways has so far offered an optional model that includes a one-hour reduction in working hours for shift workers.
German Railways had also experienced issues last year due to ongoing wage disputes with the Railway Workers’ Union (EVG), which represents approximately 180,000 railway personnel besides train drivers, but reached an agreement in August 2023.
