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Deutsche Bahn: The wage dispute with the EDC is coming to a head. Strikes looming

Photo: Michael Matthey / dpa

The EVG has rejected Deutsche Bahn's current offer of wage increases for a good 180,000 employees. "Essential points of our demands are still not met," said negotiator Kristian Loroch and called on the railway to improve its offer.

The railway has gradually promised employees an increase of twelve percent in the lower wage groups. A total of ten percent more is to be given to the middle groups and eight percent to the upper ones. The first increase is expected to come this year. In addition, there is also a step-by-step inflation compensation premium totaling 2850 euros, which is to be paid tax-free and duty-free in two steps from July. The term is to be two years.

EVG demands 650 euros more per month

For the time being, Deutsche Bahn does not want to add to the wage dispute with the EVG union. "It makes no sense to put out another offer," said Chief Human Resources Officer Martin Seiler on Wednesday. It does not make sense to bid against oneself. The EDC must now signal that it is moving from its original demand towards compromise. He can be reached at any time for such a signal. "As soon as a signal comes, I am ready to speak again," Seiler said.

The union, on the other hand, is demanding a fixed amount of at least 650 euros per month, more or twelve percent for the upper wage groups. According to their ideas, the term should be one year. So far, the EDC has strictly rejected one-off payments.

la/dpa