Overview
- Deutsche Bahn and the GDL began negotiations in Berlin with five rounds totaling 14 days scheduled through February 27 under a peace obligation, meaning any strikes could only occur in March if talks fail.
- The GDL seeks up to 8% more overall, including at least 3.5–3.8% in base pay, an 8% rise in allowances, a new pay grade, higher compensation for trainers and examiners, and benefits such as travel-cost and rent support.
- DB has not presented a concrete offer, saying it wants constructive talks but has limited room given the company’s crisis and restructuring under CEO Evelyn Palla, with HR chief Martin Seiler pledging an outstretched hand.
- GDL leader Mario Reiß is heading his first round in place of Claus Weselsky; DB says the union’s contracts apply to about 10,000 employees (roughly 5% of staff), a figure the GDL disputes.
- In a separate settlement, Rhineland-Palatinate’s private-bus sector agreed to a 10.5% pay rise in two steps—7% from January 1, 2026, and 3.5% in early 2027—plus a €500 one-off payment, averting further local warning strikes and running through the end of 2027.