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It was only in August that Deutsche Bahn reached an agreement with the EVG trade union after arbitration. Now, for the second time this year, it is facing industrial action - this time with the train drivers' union GDL. By Johannes Frewel
Rail customers must prepare for possible strikes before Christmas
After the EVG trade union, Deutsche Bahn is now in a wage dispute with the GDL
This demands 555 euros more per month salary for train drivers plus fewer working hours
Deutsche Bahn is heading for the next wage dispute. Since February, it has been arguing hard with the Railway and Transport Union (EVG), which has a large number of members, over a collective bargaining agreement. Twice, the EVG paralyzed rail traffic for hours during warning strikes.
After a two-week conciliation, the industrial dispute was not pacified until August. In two stages, around 180,000 railway employees will receive 410 euros more money per month - 200 euros more from 1 December and 1 euros more from 2024 August 210. In addition, there are surcharges in the collective bargaining table for some of the employees. From the point of view of the state-owned railway company, this was the most expensive wage increase in its history.
At least so far, because the collective bargaining agreement with the train drivers expires on Tuesday. The aim of the train drivers' union GDL is to improve the working conditions of its members, who mainly work in jobs on and around the train. Instead of 410 euros, the GDL is demanding 555 euros more money per month. Two years ago, it was only able to achieve a 3.3 percent wage increase. Significantly higher inflation swallowed up the increase and led to a loss of purchasing power.
However, the train drivers' demands for reductions in working hours could be particularly expensive for the railways. Instead of 38, GDL members want to work 35 hours. For example, employees working in shifts could also be given the option of a four-day week.
"For us, the improvement in the working time system is the only right step to counter the shortage of skilled workers in the railway system," said GDL boss Claus Weselsky, explaining the collective bargaining demand. According to him, it is clear that this is where things will be particularly problematic at the negotiating table: "We will certainly have nice and heated discussions with the employers' side."
Martin Seiler, Deutsche Bahn's Chief Human Resources Officer, has already calculated how expensive the GDL demands could be for the railways. "The initial situation is extremely difficult," he said, summing up the union's list of demands: "If we were to meet the demands of the GDL, our personnel costs would rise by more than 50 percent," he said. This is "not feasible and achievable" for the railway employer.
Deutsche Bahn would have to hire an additional 10,000 people
According to the employer's calculations, the four-day week would mean that Deutsche Bahn would have to hire around 10,000 additional people in shifts. This would not only cause considerable costs and further depress the railway's finances. Nor do these additional professionals exist on the labour market.
Deutsche Bahn failed with its proposal to have the collective bargaining round moderated by arbitrators from the outset. The GDL rejected this, pointing out that the collective bargaining round would simply have had to be started in good time before the end of the peace obligation, which did not hap
