Update: 29.06.2023
Despite failed talks between the Deutsche Bahn and Germany's railway and transport union (EVG), no strikes will be announced in the country. The two parties decided they would seek external mediation to resolve their labour dispute.
"We have a particular focus on the travellers that we don't really want to strike during the holiday season," said the union in a press release. The EVG stressed that if the matter were settled by arbitration, the EVG would refrain from strikes during the summer vacation period.
However, the union is determined to carry out a ballot after arbitration is complete for its members to have the final decision.
Update: 22.06.2023
After weeks of negotiations, the German media announced today that the talks between the rail union EVG and Deutsche Bahn reached a dead-end. Failure to reach an agreement on wage increases during a meeting on Wednesday, 21 June, raises the risk of more rail strikes in the country.
An update posted on the union's webpage said, "no further increase in the volume discussed so far can be achieved in the current negotiations." It added that EVG's management will attempt to decide on how to proceed in a meeting today.
German shipping newspaper DVZ claims that the union "went into the negotiations with big goals." The demands for rail workers include a salary raise of 12%, or at least an additional 650 euros per month over 12 months. This was not fulfilled by the DB, which offered a 12% and an on-time inflation payment of 2,850 euros.
DB HR Director Martin Seiler commented on the situation by saying, “The EVG throws away an almost finished deal and sets everything to zero shortly before the goal," as cited by DVZ.
Update: 15.05.2023
The planned rail strikes in Germany were called off on Saturday after the EVG union and Deutsche Bahn announced they reached an agreement. According to local news agency Deutsche Welle (DW), a labour court in Frankfurt confirmed both parties agreed on a settlement proposal ahead of the 50-hour strike.
According to DW, Deutsche Bahn's head of personnel Martin Seile said: "In the interest of the railway company, its customers and industry, we did everything to avert this strike." Despite the cancellation, delays for regional and long-distance trains are still expected.
Original article: 11.05.2023
German rail transport union (EVG) announced a 50-hour strike starting Sunday, 14 May at 10:00 pm (CET), up to and including Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at midnight. In a press release issued today, 11 May, the union highlighted that nearly 50 railway and transport companies will be affected.
EVG represents nearly 230,000 workers, with a large part of them working in cargo transport. As a result, rail freight is likely to be significantly affected during strike hours. “The long walkout will have noticeable consequences and thus also economic effects,” warned the union.
The last round of negotiations failed to meet the union’s demands, and no improved offers were put on the table. “Since there is little movement at the negotiating tables, there will be another strike,” said EVG collective bargaining board member Cosima Ingenschay.
“All companies know that they have to step up their game, but obviously, they need at least one more strike for this realization to finally catch on with everyone involved. In this respect, we will build up the pressure that is necessary for our demands to be negotiated,” added Ingenschay.
According to DVZ, Germany’s transport newspaper, the union demands at least €650 more per month for employees or 12% over a period of twelve months. EVG had earlier rejected a first offer of a 5% increase and an "inflation bonus" of €2,500.
