Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Railway and Transport Union (EVG) have successfully reached a collective agreement after just three weeks and three rounds of negotiations, avoiding strikes. The agreement, which will benefit around 190,000 employees, ensures job security and wage increases over a 33-month period.
The DB collective agreement includes a 6.5% wage increase over nearly three years. The increase will be implemented in stages: 2% from July 2025, 2.5% from July 2026, and a 2% one-off annual payment in December 2027. Additionally, shift workers will receive an extra 2.6% collective wage increase from December 2026, with the option to convert part of this into two extra days off from 2027.
A one-off payment of EUR 200 will also be made in April 2025. The agreement guarantees job security for employees throughout its duration, which lasts from April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, covering the entire period of DB’s S3 restructuring programme.
DB Human Resources Director Martin Seiler described the agreement as “balanced,” noting that the long term of the contract provides the company with the planning security needed to successfully implement the restructuring plan. “Our employees do a great job every day, and it is important to recognise their efforts, especially in these challenging times,” Seiler added.
The agreement also introduces a new working time system that rewards performance and improves personnel capacity. An opening clause for DB Cargo allows for deviations from the collective bargaining agreements, if necessary, to support the restructuring plan.
Seiler praised the swift conclusion of the negotiations, stating that the deal is beneficial for both the company and its employees, while also ensuring stability for customers and passengers.
Share on:
