Negotiations between the employer representatives and the services trade union Verdi have successfully concluded in the fourth round of collective bargaining for the approximately 60,000 employees at Deutsche Telekom.
A central element of the agreement is the extension of job security against redundancy dismissals until December 31, 2028.
For employees whose salary agreements expire on March 31, 2026, wages are set to increase in three stages. The “Additional Monthly Allowance” for full-time employees will see a permanent increase from the current €190. In the first step, scheduled for August 2026, it will rise by €150 to €340 per month. A second increase of €140 is planned for July 2027, bringing the total monthly payment to €480. Furthermore, salary tables will rise by another 2.4% in June 2028. The agreement noted that these layered increases to the additional monthly compensation are expected to benefit lower and middle-income groups disproportionately, addressing the significant financial pressures faced by these employees.
Apprentices and dual students are slated to receive monthly pay increases in three steps: a 4.1% rise in the first step, a further 3.3% rise in the second step, and another 2.4% increase in the third step.
Birgit Bohle, Head of HR and Legal Affairs at Deutsche Telekom, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “After intense negotiations, we have reached a balanced conclusion” she stated. “This overall package sends a clear message of stability and reliability during a phase of profound transformation and secures a clear salary boost for our employees”. Bohle added that the company maintained “the necessary balance to continue investing consistently in our networks and thus in the future viability of our company”.
Verdi was also pleased with the results. Frank Sauerland, lead negotiator for Verdi, said, “More money, more protection, more recognition, more solidarity-this is a harmony with which we achieved our central goals for this bargaining round”. He attributed the success to the strong participation of employees in warning strikes, public demonstrations, and actions.
Sauerland further noted that increased solidarity will be achieved by consolidating previously fragmented salary sectors. The Telekom companies PVG and DT SE will not only be integrated into the results but their respective operational durations will also be adapted. A key milestone, Sauerland highlighted, is the first time an exclusive member bonus will be implemented for Verdi members, which he called an “overdue sign of recognition” for employees who contribute to strengthening internal democracy and collegiality within the company.
Verdi now intends to conduct a member vote on the tariff results by mid-June. The Verdi Tariff Commission unanimously approved the settlement and recommends its acceptance to members. The commission plans to finalize its decision regarding the results during its meeting on June 19.
