As of: March 27, 2024, 6:56 a.m
By: Max Schäfer
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The railway and the GDL reach an agreement on the collective bargaining dispute.
The company makes concessions to employees.
But how much will train drivers get from now on?
Frankfurt – There is an agreement in the collective bargaining dispute between Deutsche Bahn and the German Locomotive Drivers' Union (GDL).
The railway is accommodating the train drivers' core demand for reduced weekly working hours.
In addition, employees receive more money.
“The dispute was tough, but we were now able to agree on an intelligent compromise,” said Bahn Human Resources Director Martin Seiler.
GDL boss Claus Weselsky celebrates the compromise as a “historic breakthrough” that is also an example for other unions.
The point of contention in the five-month-long dispute was the 35-hour week required by the GDL.
The railway is now accommodating the union.
Employees on shift work should now be able to decide for themselves how much they work.
The agreement provides for a corridor of initially 38 to 40 hours until 2026.
From 2029, a 35-hour week will be possible.
The reference working hours should decrease.
The employees should not earn less.
What does the agreement between Deutsche Bahn and GDL provide?
However, those who work more should receive more wages.
One hour corresponds to 2.7 percent more or less wages, explains the railway in a statement.
Train drivers who work a 40-hour week should receive around 14 percent more than they would in a 35-hour week.
Period |
Possible working hours |
|---|---|
until 2026 |
38 to 40 hours |
2027 |
37 to 40 hours |
2028 |
36 to 40 hours |
from 2029 |
35 to 40 hours |
Source: Deutsche Bahn |
“With the option model, our colleagues have the individual freedom to choose what best suits them and their phase of life,” said Seiler.
“With self-determined weekly working hours, rail jobs become more attractive overall and performance is worth it.” The model gives the company the opportunity and capacity to continue to grow in the interests of customers despite a shortage of skilled workers.
Claus Weselsky describes the agreement with the railways to shorten weekly working hours to 35 hours in 2029 as a “historic breakthrough”.
© Carsten Koall/dpa
How much money will train drivers get after the agreement with the railway?
The train drivers also receive 420 euros more in wages.
This takes place in two steps.
As of August 1, 2024, rail employees will receive 210 euros more, and on April 1, 2025, their salary will increase again by 210 euros.
There is also an inflation compensation bonus of 2,850 euros.
The railway wants to pay out 1,500 euros as early as March.
According to the DB announcement, the remaining 1,350 euros are expected to be paid in May.
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The agreements between the railways and the GDL also stipulate a limit on the maximum length of work phases from 144 hours to 120 hours from January 1, 2025.
According to the GDL announcement, the train drivers also receive a subsidy for the Germany ticket of 12.25 euros.
Peace obligation until February 2026: Agreement between GDL and Deutsche Bahn prevents strikes
Further rail strikes should be ruled out for the time being by the agreement between DB and GDL.
A peace obligation with the GDL applies until the end of February 2026.
The collective agreement runs for 26 months until December 31, 2025. According to the DB announcement, a two-month negotiation phase is then planned.
During this time, no strikes are possible.
Before the negotiations begin, additional arbitration modalities should be provided in the event that these are not successful.