German Rail and Berlin Transit Workers Push for Wage Increases in Ongoing Negotiations

Deutsche Bahn and BVG engage in intense talks with unions over pay raises, job security, and working conditions.

Deutsche Bahn and the EVG union continue negotiations for 192,000 employees, with DB offering up to 7.9% wage increases and EVG demanding 7.6% plus additional benefits for shift workers.
The EVG union seeks a job security guarantee until 2027, citing concerns over potential political changes that could impact rail funding and operations.
Berlin's BVG has increased its wage offer to 17.6% over four years, including a retroactive monthly payment of €225 and additional allowances for drivers and shift workers.
The BVG union Verdi is demanding €750 monthly raises, a 13th-month salary, and improved shift allowances, with threats of unrelenting strikes if demands are not met by March 21.
Both negotiations highlight tensions over inflation, cost-of-living adjustments, and long-term contracts, with unions emphasizing the need to address real wage losses from recent years.