Averted Train Strike in Dusseldorf: 50 Hours Avoided after Negotiations
Update Sat, 13 May: Averted the looming 50-hour railway strike! The Railway and Transport Union (EVG) and Deutsche Bahn reached a truce in the Frankfurt Labor Court, cancelling the nationwide strike scheduled from Sunday, 14 May, 10 PM to Tuesday, 16 May, midnight. However, passengers are still advised to check the latest schedule updates, as it's uncertain if all trains will run on time due to rescheduled journeys and shifts for approximately 50,000 train trips.
In this settlement, both parties commit to swiftly and constructively negotiating to reach an agreement. Deutsche Bahn is obligated to align the statutory minimum wage of 12 euros per hour (plus wage increase) across all pay grades. The EVG seeks at least an additional 650 euros per month or 12% for higher-income groups. The agreement is set to last for a year. Initially, Deutsche Bahn offered tax-free one-time payments, along with increases in wages for lower and middle-income groups and higher wage groups.
Previous Announcement:
The EVG has rallied its members for the third nationwide picket if their employees participate in the rail and transport strike from Sunday, 14 May, 10 PM to Tuesday, 16 May, midnight. Around 50 railway and transport companies could be affected, but some companies with significant progress in negotiations will not be part of the strike.
The Düsseldorf Rhine Railway, however, remains unaffected by the strike, including its trams and buses. The S-Bahn, unfortunately, is not exempt. Long-distance traffic will be suspended, and local transportation will face significant disruptions across Germany. Passengers with planned trips during the strike period can now use their tickets for long-distance and local transport until 14 May 2023 without restrictions, and seat reservations can be cancelled without charges.
EVG's Requests
"Employers are still hesitant to make substantial progress during the second round of negotiations, with minimal advancement," says the EVG's chief negotiator, Cosima Ingenschay. "We will repeat that current offers need to be significantly improved," she adds. The EVG's demands include:
- A 12% wage increase, or at least an additional 650 euros per month for each of its 230,000 members, 180,000 of whom are at Deutsche Bahn, to counterbalance escalating energy and living costs.
- A monthly payment increase of 325 euros for trainees.
- An increase in the hourly wage for the lowest earners to the statutory minimum wage of 12 euros without deductions or supplements.
- Equal pay for equal work across different regions.
The EVG considers these demands fair, given the current economic climate. The union also disputes the employers' assertion that their demands have been met and questions the unwillingness of the employers to negotiate accordingly.
- The railway and transport labor union, EVG, is progressing with policy-and-legislation negotiations, seeking a 12% wage increase or an additional 650 euros per month for 180,000 members employed by Deutsche Bahn, to combat rising energy and living costs.
- Amidst ongoing politics and general news surrounding the railway strike, the EVG's focus remains on the legislative hurdles, demanding equal pay for equal work, increased trainees' pay, an hourly wage of 12 euros for the lowest earners, and a more substantial response from employers in their negotiations.
