How likely are Deutsche Bahn strikes in March?

The German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) is entering negotiations with Deutsche Bahn. Depending on how things go, strikes could be on the cards for March.

GDL enters negotiations with DB

Late 2023 and early 2024 saw GDL members carry out a wave of strikes and eventually win their demand for employees to work a 35-hour week from 2029. As a result, Deutsche Bahn traffic was impacted by chronic delays in 2025, but not by strike action.

Now, GDL representatives are entering new negotiations with Deutsche Bahn. This time, the union is demanding that train drivers receive an 8 percent pay rise. “The goal is to make the payroll system more performance based,” GDL chair Mario Reiß told the dpa, “to better reward work experience and company loyalty and improve long-term perspectives”.

Reiß is hopeful strikes can be avoided

Previous negotiations were headed by Claus Welesky, who served as GDL chair between 2008 and 2024, and was known for his tough negotiating style. Reiß took over the role in 2024 and so far seems to be taking a different approach in negotiations with Deutsche Bahn manager Martin Seiler. 

“We think that we have given Deutsche Bahn enough time,” Reiß told the dpa. “The question is whether Deutsche Bahn allows itself the time or plays games, and we will know more by the end of February.” A peace agreement between the GDL and Deutsche Bahn will apply in the first negotiation stages during January and February. This is why hypothetical strikes are only possible from March.

But Reiß says he is hopeful negotiations will not come to a standstill and result in strikes. “For that reason, I’m not currently talking about escalation or if we will eventually hold a ballot for strike action,” the chair explained, but clarified that both were still a possibility.

Reiß isn’t the only one cutting his teeth in this negotiation round, it will also be a first for Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla, who took over the role in September after Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) sacked Richard Lutz.