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An ICE train leaves Munich's main train station: Probably no warning strikes for the time being
Photo: Peter Kneffel / dpa
In the coming days, no further warning strikes are to be expected in the current wage dispute at the railways. Deutsche Bahn and the railway and transport union EVG want to negotiate a solution again from 12 June, as both sides announced after a consultation.
Recently, the union has repeatedly emphasized the motto "If you negotiate, you don't go on strike" – accordingly, no work stoppages with train cancellations and delays are to be expected for the time being. However, it remains to be seen whether the collective bargaining dispute can be finally resolved next Monday.
»The confidential conversation was constructive«
After some back and forth last week, the negotiating leaders in the current wage dispute met on Monday in Frankfurt am Main. "The confidential conversation was constructive," both sides said afterwards. The planned new meeting is expected to take place in Berlin.
The union is currently negotiating with Deutsche Bahn and dozens of other railway companies for higher wages and salaries for a total of around 230,000 workers. The focus is on negotiations with DB, where a good 180,000 of these employees work.
Deutsche Bahn offers up to twelve percent more wages for a term of 24 months. For middle incomes it means ten percent more, for higher eight percent more. In addition, there would be 2850 euros in compensation for inflation before the end of this year. In total, this costs the group 1.4 billion euros a year.
The EDC had recently described the offer as insufficient, especially for lower wage groups, but was willing to negotiate. The union is demanding twelve percent more wages, but at least 650 euros a month more. According to their ideas, the term should be twelve months.
As recently as last week, there was a threat of further escalation in the wage dispute, and a new warning strike was in the air.
aeh/dpa/Reuters