Crisis at the Railway: Final Negotiations Underway

The Deutsche Bahn and the Railway and Transport Union (EVG) have commenced crucial negotiations in Berlin concerning the salaries of approximately 190,000 employees. This round of talks, expected to span five days, aims to reach an agreement before the upcoming federal elections.

Cosima Ingenschay, the lead negotiator for the EVG, emphasized the urgency of concluding negotiations, stating that the outcome hinges on the employer's willingness to negotiate further. The union has expressed concerns regarding economic and structural uncertainties that may arise under a government led by the opposition parties.

Martin Seiler, the Human Resources Chief of Deutsche Bahn, acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that the company is undergoing a restructuring phase which limits their negotiating flexibility. He underscored the importance of finding solutions during the discussions, indicating that several issues remain unresolved.

The EVG is advocating for a salary increase of 7.6 percent along with an additional payment of 2.6 percent for shift workers, part of which could be converted into extra days off. Furthermore, the union is seeking job security guarantees until the end of 2027.

In contrast, the current proposal from Deutsche Bahn includes a phased salary increase for shift workers totaling approximately 7.9 percent, which incorporates the additional pay, while other employees would see a 4 percent increase. The proposed agreement would span 37 months, but Seiler noted that the company has not introduced a new offer and discussions will focus on addressing outstanding matters.

The ongoing negotiations are particularly significant as they mark the first major tariff discussions for the railway in years without substantial disruptions to services. Due to a peace obligation, the EVG is restricted from initiating warning strikes until the end of March. However, if these negotiations do not yield results, the possibility of strikes may increase.

Ingenschay reiterated that the union is not willing to finalize an agreement at any cost, stressing the need for terms that are favorable for the workers. The EVG is determined to ensure that the final outcome meets the expectations of its members.