Five months of bitter negotiations and a a string of strikes. The end result of all this will be an agreement between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German locomotive drivers' union (GDL). "The conflict was tough, but we were able to agree on an intelligent compromise", said DB Personnel Director Martin Seiler on 26 March.
The key element is a optional model on working conditions. It will enable DB employees to decide for themselves how long they want to work each week. With the flexibility of working between 35 and 40 hours and receive a higher salary according to the adage "work more to earn more".
"Thanks to the self-determined working week, rail professions are becoming more attractive overall. And performance at work is rewarded. From the outset, we have emphasised that an imposed reduction in working hours is totally unsuited to the times we live in", explained Martin Seiler.
Flexible working hours
For employees working in teams affiliated with the GDL, the reference working time will initially be reduced from 38 to 37 hours in 2026. By 2029, it will be reduced to 35 hours. Drivers or agents who opt for 40 hours' work will earn around 14% more than if they worked 35 hours. DB management will also pay an inflation bonus of €2,850. It has promised to increase salaries by 420 euros per month. This increase will take effect in two stages.
Especially for travellers, is the assurance of finally being able to take the train in Germany with complete peace of mind. Indeed, the GDL union has undertaken to guarantee industrial peace in the company until the end of February 2026. So no strike action on the horizon...
