After launching a seven-day strike that might paralyze the transport sector in Germany, trade union GDL drafted a proposal for Deutsche Bahn (DB). If accepted, the union said it “will result in the suspension of strikes and the resumption of collective bargaining”.
The union just rejected the third offer brought forward by DB, claiming that it is “not a basis for us to continue collective bargaining (CBA)”, which led to the ongoing seven-day strike. The main requests included in GDL’s new proposal revolve around pay increases and time off as well as the inclusion of rail infrastructure workers in the CBA. They made it very clear that they are not satisfied with the wage increase in monthly pay scales proposed by the German national railway holding. Moreover, they stated that 32 months, the CBA length suggested by DB, is too long. Instead, they want to plan an annual evaluation to analyse the impact of the collective contract. The trade union is also organising rallies for Thursday, 25 January and Friday, 26 January all over Germany.
Fewer hours, more holidays
Another aspect that the third DB offer overlooked, according to GDL, is the reduction in working hours. The company only suggested the implementation of an optional model, in which workers can choose to work 37 hours a week, instead of 38, from 1 January 2026. GDL, on the other hand, is asking for a gradual reduction of weekly working hours from the current 38 to 35 by 2028.
When it comes to holidays, GDL says it is ready to let go of the ‘12 more holidays’ plan from 1 January 2026. However, they want to keep the ‘six more holidays’ initiative, which allows employees to take six extra days off per year by working one additional hour every week. Those workers who, by the end of 2025, will still be registered for the ‘12 more holidays’ plan will be automatically moved into the ‘six more holidays’ one.
GDL is also asking DB for more freedom given to employees in choosing their working hours. According to the proposal, workers shall be able to modify their working schedule by adding or subtracting one weekly hour every year by submitting their preference 12 months in advance. In other words, employees would have the ability to decide how many hours per week they will work every year. The employer would still retain the right to refuse to increase an employee’s working hours if it might lead to overcapacity.
Inflation compensation and better allowances
The GDL proposal made to DB to resume negotiations also include a compensation for inflation. Full-time employees would get a one-time payment of 3,000 euros. The same would occur for part-time employees working more than 50 per cent of the hours of a full-timer. The rest of the part-time workers would get 1,500 euros. Additionally, the trade union is asking for higher allowances (Zulagen in German). The so-called dynamic allowances would increase by 5 per cent on 1 May 2024 and again by 5 per cent on 1 February 2025. They are also asking for higher allowances when it comes to employees in training.
Impact of the strike
A spokesperson from DB said that many freight convoys were taken off the schedule and that a significant volume drop is feared. Moreover, private operators, including Metrans, pointed out that restrictions have not been ruled out. European institutions also commented on the GDL initiative, pointing out that disruptions are likely to hit the whole sector, and not just DB. The European Rail Freight Association stressed DB “to do everything in its power to fulfil its sovereign duties and its unconditional obligation as infrastructure manager”.
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