Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail operator, on Tuesday announced it has accepted the 35-hour work week demand of the GDL trade union, ending a punishing industrial dispute between the company and workers.
Deutsche Bahn said the work period is to be reduced from the current 38 hours to the 35 hours demanded by GDL in several stages by 2029, with wages remaining the same.
However, employees who want to still work 38 hours per week or increase their working hours to up to 40 per week can do so.
The employee would receive a 2.7 percent increase in pay per hour, according to the terms of the deal.
From 2027, there would then be further optional reductions to 36 hours, from 2028 to 35.5 hours, and from 2029 to 35 hours, the agreement states.
However, employees must register with their employers if they wish to take part in the reduced hours.
This is a major concession by Deutsche Bahn, which had proposed a 36-hour work week, but the union stuck to its 35-hour demand and accompanied that with several strikes.
On Sunday, there were reports that both sides had reached an agreement after months of a bitter dispute.
Both sides, in separate news conferences, were expected to release further details on Tuesday. (dpa/NAN)
