Deutsche Bahn has unveiled its first proposal in the current wage negotiations. It contains a base wage increase of 3.8 % and an additional 2.2 % for structural adjustments, a one‑time payment of €400, and a contract term of 30 months.
Martin Seiler, head of the DB personnel council, described the offer as “good and very far‑reaching”. He said it fulfils the “core demands” of the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) and therefore sends a clear signal for further negotiations. Seiler added that a 30‑month duration would provide stability and planning safety for the railway’s restart and that a final agreement must also account for the ongoing restructuring of DB Cargo.
However, the GDL is not enthusiastic about the first offer. GDL national chairman Mario Reiß told reporters that while the company’s communication hints at a total increase of about six per cent, the specifics-especially the intended duration of two and a half years-are crucial. He argued that, under this interpretation, the figure “does not even come close to a real inflation adjustment and would in practice fall below what would be felt long‑term for pension purposes”.
Reiß says the proposal should at least provide a basis for the next rounds of talks, which are planned after consultation with the relevant bodies. “We now need to make intensive use of the upcoming negotiation days and sharpen the contentally decisive points” he stressed. “Only if the duration, structure, and impact are substantially revised can a viable foundation for a potential conclusion be achieved”.
Until the end of February a peace clause still applies in the tariff negotiations, meaning strikes are excluded during that period.
