Working less, earning more: DB reaches historical agreement!

In the current tariff conflict between the Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the union of German locomotive drivers (GDL), significant progress was made. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung , both sides have agreed on a gradual reduction in working hours. According to this, working hours for shift employees should be reduced to 35 per week by 2029 - but not automatically. The adjustment takes place as part of an election model in which employees have to actively decide whether they want to take advantage of the reduced working time. This could increase flexibility for employees and at the same time offer the opportunity to earn more.

The first stage of the agreement stipulates that the current reference working time is reduced from 38 hours from 2026 to 37 hours before further step-by-step reductions follow. GDL boss Claus Weselsky described the contract as a "historical breakthrough", while DB HR Manager Martin Seiler spoke of an "innovative option model". The model enables employees to choose between 35 and 40 hours, whereby a higher workload is rewarded with a wage increase of 2.7 percent per hour.

Additional improvements for train drivers

In addition to reducing working hours, in addition to the reduction in working hours, salary increases of a total of 420 euros in two steps to April 2025 will also be implemented as part of the agreement, accompanied by an inflation compensation premium of 2850 euros. The collective agreement applies until the end of 2025 and could reduce the pressure on the train, which has increased significantly in recent months due to repeated strikes that have caused up to 100 million euros in damage per day. Before the upcoming Easter holidays, one of the most busy times for travel, this compromise could be the key to smooth rail traffic.

At the same time, negotiations on a reduction in working hours take place in the social economy in Austria. The VIDA union calls for a reduction in the weekly working hours by half an hour for the next two years and a return to one hour from 2027. This is considered a measure to combat the shortage of labor in the care area, as reported. A central aspect of negotiations is the attractiveness of the nursing profession through better working and vacation conditions.