Germany: train drivers get an 11% wage increase

Started last March, the longest rail conflict in German history is coming to an end. The train drivers' union, GDL, announced, on January 13, 2008, that he set with the Deutsche Bahn (DB) the day before the guidelines for a specific tariff agreement, which should be done by January 31. It plans an 11% wage increase as well as a slight reduction of working time for train drivers. (Ref. 080031)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

“We signed a good agreement”, Manfred Schell, GDL leader, congratulated himself; he looked quite satisfied and excluded, “with 99% odds” any strike before the end of negotiations. Indeed, even though the wage increase promised by the rail company is far from the 31% asked by the GDL, the agreement in principle obtained on January 12 thanks to Wolfgang Tiefensee (SPD), German Minister of transportation, represents a victory for the minority union.

A two-step increase. The DB’s 20.000 train driver

You are reading this article thanks to your trial period.
Explore new horizons by checking out our other verticals:
You are reading this article thanks to your subscription to Mind Retail.
Explore new horizons by checking out our other verticals:
Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...