Bahn and GDL believe a quick agreement is possible. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing called on the air transport and rail unions to observe an Easter peace agreement.
The German Locomotive Drivers' Union (GDL) and Deutsche Bahn last met for several weeks in February to find a solution to the collective bargaining dispute. The crux of the negotiations recently was the dispute over a reduction in working hours for shift workers from 38 to 35 hours per week, as demanded by the GDL.