Railway Wage Dispute: Wissing Urges for Holiday Peace
During the ongoing wage dispute between German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) and the Union of German Train Drivers (Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivführer, or GDL), Transport Minister Volker Wissing has appealed for a "Christmas peace." With families keen on visiting loved ones during the holiday season, Wissing urged all parties involved to consider their responsibility and act to minimize disruptions.
As Deutsche Bahn and the GDL continue their negotiations next week, there's an ongoing fear of potential strikes. In such a scenario, the railway company has prepared an emergency timetable, significant cuts in long-distance services, with long-distance trains offering less than 20% of their usual frequency. If strikes occur, Deutsche Bahn intends to utilize trains with more seating capacities to keep operations running for as long as possible.
Meanwhile, GDL boss Claus Weselsky hasn't ruled out the possibility of strikes during the holiday season. His union seeks a substantial pay raise and improved benefits.
Wissing's plea for peace comes as another dispute, this time between Deutsche Bahn and the Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG), looms. Negotiations for the collective wage agreement, which expires on March 31, 2025, have begun, with Deutsche Bahn offering a 4% raise and additional payments for shift workers. However, EVG has countered with demands for a more significant pay raise and better shift worker compensation.
While negotiations continue, travelers are anxious about the potential for strikes and disruptions starting in April, unless an agreement is reached by March 31. History serves as a reminder; the 2023 railway dispute between Deutsche Bahn and the GDL led to extended nationwide strikes, causing significant service disruptions.
Political uncertainties, with the imminent federal election, further complicate the situation, potentially leading to significant changes — including potential privatizations — for Deutsche Bahn.
[1] Deutsche Bahn (n.d.). Annual Report 2023. Retrieved from [2] EVG (n.d.). Our Shared Future: The EVG's Strategic Union Program 2023–2025. Retrieved from
