Deutsche Bahn and EVG Begin Tense Contract Negotiations

The railway union rejects the initial offer of a 4% wage increase, pressing for higher pay and job security as the company faces financial challenges.

The Deutsche Bahn proposed a 4% wage increase over 37 months and additional pay for shift workers, but the EVG union dismissed it as insufficient.
The EVG is demanding a 7.6% wage hike, a 2.6% bonus for shift workers, and a job guarantee for employees until 2027.
The union criticized the proposed contract duration as too long and plans a demonstration in Berlin on February 3 to push its demands.
Deutsche Bahn argues its financial constraints, including debt and losses in freight operations, limit its ability to meet the union's demands.
The current contract and strike-free period remain in effect until March 31, with the next negotiation round scheduled for February 4.