Tackle negotiations on the train: Strikes threaten because of wage increase!
Tackle negotiations on the train: Strikes threaten because of wage increase!
On January 28, 2025, the collective bargaining between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the railway and traffic union (EVG) in Frankfurt started. The EVG, which represents a total of around 192,000 employees employed, calls for a wage increase of 7.6 percent and an employment guarantee by the end of 2027. These demands are part of a larger negotiation package that also includes 2.6 percent additional money for shift workers and a bonus payment of 500 euros for EVG members. The EVG-CO negotiator Cosima Ingenschay has already emphasized that the first offer of the DB is not sufficient and the amount of the wage increase and the late payment of the additional money should be criticized.
Deutsche Bahn made an offer on the first day of negotiations that provides for an increase in wages of 4 percent in two steps, in addition to the supplied additional money of 2.6 percent for around 100,000 shift workers. The duration of the offer is 37 months. Martin Seiler, the DB's head of Human Resources, presented the offer with the aim of a constructive negotiation. However, the economic challenges of the DB are also pointed out, which is in a crisis with high delays on long -distance trains and financial problems.
context of the negotiations
The collective bargaining and their complexity result from the fact that they take place regularly, since the collective agreements have different times. The last negotiations ended in 2023 with warning strikes, and a planned 50-hour distance was canceled again. The current collective agreement system is subject to a peace obligation that applies until the end of March 2025. This means that the possibility of warning strikes is excluded for the time being, although the EVG is already planning a demonstration on February 3 in Berlin to underpin its demands.
A possible strike could affect Easter travel traffic in April 2025 if there is no agreement. In the event of a strike, the DB provides a hotline at 08000-99 66 33 to offer traveling current information on strike situations and travel connections. Affected tickets remains valid, even if there are changes to the route, and free cancellation of seat reservations is made possible.
economic challenges and perspectives
The DB sees itself under not only because of the ongoing collective bargaining, but also due to considerable financial challenges. For its part, the DB plans to dismantle jobs in the coming years, while a renovation of the rail network is being sought at the same time. This is particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming Bundestag election on February 23, 2025, because the EVG strives to reach an agreement before this election. The uncertainties due to possible change of government could cause additional tensions in the negotiations.
In view of the situation, the outcome of these negotiations could have far -reaching effects on the DB employees and rail traffic in Germany. The EVG remains a crucial player in the design of the working conditions of its members and will continue to build pressure to achieve the desired results. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 4th in Berlin.Deutsche Bahn faces the challenge of protecting the interests of its employees and at the same time finding economically viable solutions. Holding on the planned goals and an open dialogue will be crucial to achieve a productive compromise.
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