Deutsche Bahn (DB) has agreed with the train drivers” union GDL on a key point concerning a pay dispute.
Several strikes in recent months have severely affected both passenger and freight services, but officials hope this tentative deal - reached following a mammoth 15-hour meeting between railway officials and the union representing 34,000 train drivers ” will see an end to the disruptions.
DB has agreed drivers can secure their own deal on wages separate from other rail workers ” but this will still form part of an umbrella company contract on pay.
Hartmut Mehdorn, DB chairman, said after the meeting yesterday: "The negotiations were difficult. However, we are glad we have now achieved a result."
A GDL spokesperson said: ”We are happy but we have many other demands for a better wage and working times.
”There are many important aspects we have to define and demand. Engine drivers work a lot of overtime and it”s very important for us to get the deal on working hour”s right.
”Other working unions want to speak for the drivers too, but we want to do this alone. That”s the most important thing for the wage agreement.”
GDL has been pushing for a pay hike of up to 31% and last week rejected the operator”s wage increase offer of between 8% and 13%, saying its members were paid far less than drivers in other EU countries.
The two sides aim to agree on pay and working hours by the end of January, until when union boss Manfred Schell has promised there will be no further strikes.