Train strikes avoided as DB and GDL reach agreement

Imminent S-Bahn, regional and long-distance train strikes are now off the cards, following an agreement between Deutsche Bahn and the German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL).

German train strikes avoided

After weeks of negotiations, Deutsche Bahn and GDL representatives have come to a consensus on a new collective bargaining agreement for German train drivers.

The agreement means that warning strikes disrupting Deutsche Bahn services are now off the cards for the foreseeable future. This marks the first time since 2018 that Deutsche Bahn and the GDL have successfully negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement without prolonged, unfruitful negotiations leading to warning strikes.

For Deutsche Bahn, these are the first negotiations led by new CEO Evelyn Palla. For the GDL, they are the first negotiations led by chairperson Mario Reiß following Claus Weselsky's departure in 2024.

What was the GDL demanding?

The GDL entered negotiations demanding that Deutsche Bahn give employees an 8 percent pay rise. The union demanded 3,8 percent of the increase be given as a pay rise and the remainder by reforming the pay scale system.

The GDL demanded that the new agreement apply for 12 months, the typical length, while Deutsche Bahn pushed for 30 months.

Another major sticking point was the Collective Bargaining Unity Act (Tarifeinheitsgesetz). Introduced in 2015, the Tarifeinheitsgesetz rules that the collective agreement of only one trade union can apply in one company, namely the union of which the majority of employees are members. But trade unions and companies can agree to exceptions to this rule.

Deutsche Bahn made its first offer on February 10: a staggered 3,8 percent pay rise and pay scale adjustments that would increase salaries by a further 2,2 percent. The company also offered employees a 400-euro one-off payment. The GDL rejected this offer, mounting pressure on Deutsche Bahn to make a better offer so strikes could be avoided.

What is in the new collective bargaining agreement?

So, what did the GDL manage to negotiate on behalf of train drivers? Train drivers who are GDL members will receive a 5 percent pay increase in two stages, a 2,5 percent increase on August 1, 2026 and another 2,5 percent increase on August 1, 2027.

There will be a 700-euro one-off payment for employees and a 350-euro one-off payment for trainees. The pay scale system will be restructured, with more benefits for employees after 35 years of experience.

According to the GDL press release, there will be “significant increases in all remuneration groups” and “double-digit percentage increases in numerous areas”.

The new agreement will apply for 24 months, retroactively from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2027. This latter date is important for passengers because it roughly indicates when we can expect the next potential GDL strike - around January or February 2028.

Then there is the Tarifeinheitsgesetz. Deutsche Bahn and the GDL have agreed to an exception to the Tarifeinheitsgesetz. From January 2027, the new collective agreement can also apply to GDL members working at companies where the majority of employees are not GDL members.

The umbrella company of Deutsche Bahn currently encompasses around 300 smaller companies, 20 of which are considered GDL-majority companies. A new notarial procedure will be introduced to determine which union has a majority at which company.

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