German railways may initiate industrial actions.
The ongoing negotiations between the Railway and Transport Union (EVG) and Deutsche Bahn might steer us towards a turbulent rail journey. The EVG is putting their foot down with some strong demands, making us question the possibility of yet another strike.
The EVG's Demands
- 12% hike in wages for Deutsche Bahn employees
- 12% increase in wages and extra off-days for shift workers
- A bonus of 500 € for all EVG members
- Elimination of financial disparities between different railway professions
Strikes on the Horizon?
Although no immediate strikes have been announced, the upcoming negotiations could be the preamble to a rocky road ahead for train passengers. The EVG has vowed to safeguard its demands amidst potential political sabotage, and the negotiations could gain momentum as we approach the federal election on February 23. The union has made it clear that they are unwilling to cave in easily, reserving the right to strike if the situation requires it [1].
Furthermore, the past history of negotiations and strikes suggests we might be witnessing more industrial actions if both parties fail to find common ground once the peace obligation (a temporary ban on strikes during negotiations) comes to an end. The tenacity of the union and Deutsche Bahn's resolved stance mean ongoing tensions that have already impacted both passenger and freight rail operations quite significantly [1].
Given the present gridlock, the past pattern of strikes, and the union's unmet demands, it's quite likely that strikes could continue after the peace obligation lifts unless a new agreement that sufficiently addresses the EVG's wage increase demands is reached [1][2].
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[1]source for historical strike data and current prevailing rates[2]source for union's demands and Deutsche Bahn's stance on the issue
The EVG's persistent demands for a 12% wage increase and additional benefits, such as extra off-days for shift workers and bonus payments, could potentially impact not only the rail industry but also the finance sector due to potential losses during possible strikes. As the federal election approaches on February 23, the negotiations' escalation might disrupt transportation services beyond railway lines, possibly extending to other modes of transit and related industries.
