The tariff negotiations between Deutsche Bahn and the Railway and Transport Union (EVG) have brought an initial rapprochement. The railway company presented an offer at the start of negotiations in Frankfurt, which was rejected by the union as inadequate, but also contained positive elements.

The EVG particularly praised that the employers had responded to the demand for an EVG additional allowance for shift workers. "We positively evaluate that our demand for an EVG additional allowance was also addressed," said EVG chief negotiator Cosima Ingenschay. At the same time, she criticized the offer of a four percent wage increase over an unusually long period of 37 months as insufficient.

The railway proposes to increase salaries by a total of four percent in two stages and additionally offer a supplementary payment of 2.6 percent for shift workers, which can partially be converted into days off. According to HR Director Martin Seiler, this is a sign of goodwill despite limited financial leeway during the ongoing restructuring of the company.

However, the EVG demands a wage increase of 7.6 percent but has not yet specified a concrete term. The union justified the urgency of a quick conclusion with the political and economic uncertainty regarding a new federal government.

Although the talks have not yet led to a conclusion, passengers do not initially have to fear warning strikes. The peace obligation is still valid until the end of March, but both sides are aiming for an agreement beforehand. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 4 in Berlin.