Train Passengers Brace for Upcoming Strikes Amid Locomotive Driver Pension Concerns

Train commuters in Germany should prepare for potential disruptions in the coming weeks as the German Locomotive Drivers' Union (GDL) enters a new round of negotiations. The upcoming discussions follow a tumultuous period of strikes that occurred at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, during which workers halted operations for several days to demand better pay and a reduction to a 35-hour workweek with full compensation.

The previous negotiations led by former GDL leader Claus Weselsky garnered significant attention, culminating in the Deutsche Bahn being required to pay millions in compensation to affected passengers. Now, under the leadership of new GDL head Mario Reiß, the union is set to tackle fresh demands in the 2025/26 tariff negotiations.

The peace obligation for various collective agreements with German rail companies has recently expired. Contracts for NETINERA, Transdev, and Arverio companies lapsed on June 30, while those for BeNEX and HLB will conclude on August 31 and October 31, respectively. The agreements with Deutsche Bahn, Fair Train, and Saarbahn are set to expire at the end of December 2025.

In mid-July, the GDL revealed its demands for the upcoming negotiations, which include an eight percent salary increase for employees and a minimum of 3.8 percent for those in the railway infrastructure and transport sectors. Additionally, the GDL aims for substantial salary increases for apprentices. The proposed contract duration is twelve months.

This round of negotiations introduces a new element aimed at addressing demographic changes within the workforce. According to Mario Reiß, concerns surrounding pension adequacy have become increasingly pertinent for railway employees. He highlighted that a staggering 80 percent of union members might face existential financial challenges in retirement, with many former railway workers relying on meager pensions of around 1,100 euros net monthly, despite average annual salaries of 38,000 euros for train attendants and 45,000 euros for locomotive drivers.

Negotiations will initially focus on private railway companies before discussions with Deutsche Bahn commence in early 2026. Until the end of February, a peace obligation means that no strikes will occur at Deutsche Bahn, as both the union and the company work towards an agreement.

In response to the GDL's demands, Deutsche Bahn has adopted a cautious stance. A spokesperson indicated that the company would address the tariff negotiations in due course but acknowledged that the current financial situation might complicate matters. The company is under pressure to reduce personnel costs, with plans to eliminate thousands of positions by 2027, casting doubt on the feasibility of salary increases.

Despite these challenges, Mario Reiß has expressed a desire to adopt a more conciliatory approach compared to his predecessor, potentially paving the way for a resolution that avoids strikes. As the situation unfolds, train passengers remain watchful for developments that could impact their daily commutes.