Germany’s state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn (DB) has struck a phased pay deal with the EVG union for a rise of more than 6.5% up to the end of 2027, EVG lead negotiator Cosima Ingenschay said on Sunday.
In news that will come as a relief to Germans fearing widespread train strikes, Ingenshav said the union had achieved greater value and security for the 192,000 employees.
DB human resources chief Martin Seiler said the pay deal was balanced and for an extremely long period. He noted that the company was in the throes of restructuring.
The initial raise of 2% will kick in in July, with a further 2.5% a year later. There is also agreement on a supplement of 2% from December 2027.
The EVG has also secured a guarantee of employment up to the end of 2027. The deal means that there will be no strikes up to that time.
“Through this long contract, we have achieved improvements in the pay structure,” Ingenschay said, adding that drivers, shunters and administrative staff would benefit.
Seiler said the long contract had been key to the deal.
Once highly regarded for its service, DB has come in for severe criticism over recent years for long delays and cancellations. A major track refurbishment programme is under way.
