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Weeks-long Strike Looms as German Railway Workers Reject Deutsche Bahn's Revised Offer

Weeks-long Strike Looms as German Railway Workers Reject Deutsche Bahn's Revised Offer
foto: Archive/Weeks-long Strike Looms as German Railway Workers Reject Deutsche Bahn's Revised Offer
02 / 05 / 2023

The German Railwaymen's Union (EVG) is threatening a new and sharper strike that could paralyse rail traffic for weeks.

The union is considering bringing in occupational groups such as conductors or maintenance workers to participate in the strikes. The EVG demands a pay rise of 12% or €650 or more.

Last Tuesday, 25 April, representatives of the national rail carrier Deutsche Bahn (DB) submitted a revised offer for around 180,000 employees. In addition to the salary increase, they are also asking for a one-off tax-free allowance of €2,850 due to the impact of inflation.

A gradual increase in wages is envisaged from March next year. For the lower and middle salary groups, the increase should be 10%, and for the higher salary groups, 8%.

DB described this offer as the highest in the company's history. However, for trade unionists, it is insufficient.

Tagy