Workers on the railways in Düsseldorf will vote on whether to launch another strike

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The Railway and Transport Union (EVG) is gearing up for a potential showdown with Deutsche Bahn, announcing that the wage negotiations have hit a dead end. The EVG Federal Executive Board, who convened in Berlin, has decided to put the issue to a vote. If at least 75% of the workforce backs a strike in this ballot, it could stretch on for an extended period. Results from the ballot are expected in four to five weeks, with any potential strikes likely happening after the summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia, which commenced on June 22nd.

Martin Burkert, Chair of the EVG, made it clear: "The negotiations have broken down because Deutsche Bahn hasn't met the salary increase expectations of our members. We're acutely aware of our role and recognize that we can't completely fulfill our demands, but we're fighting for the expectations of our colleagues. That's why we're heading into the ballot, prepared for all its consequences—including indefinite strikes."

In the grueling negotiations with DB AG, the EVG has demonstrated numerous compromises and expected reciprocal flexibility from the employer. However, according to EVG members, this wasn't enough. Especially in the matter of salary increases, there were insurmountable differences. Considering the ongoing high inflation and the waiving of the previous wage round, employees are pressing for immediate substantial raises.

Initially, DB AG only proposed an extra 200 euros from December. The second increase wouldn't materialize until August 2024. In the view of the EVG, this is inadequate and woefully late. With a total timeline of 27 months, wages would rise at an insufficient pace.

The EVG is not demanding the impossible. They argue that employees, who keep buses and trains running daily despite adversities beyond their control, rightfully expect fair compensation. Their mission is to ensure this—that's why they're holding the ballot.

Interestingly, recent news focuses on a significant agreement reached during negotiations between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) instead of EVG. This agreement includes a real wage reduction and a 33-month strike ban. This deal compromises workers' living standards in the face of escalating costs. Historically, EVG negotiations have centered on demands for substantial pay raises, improvements in working conditions, and job security.

In light of the current circumstances, it's essential to keep an eye on how the GDL agreement might set a precedent for future negotiations with unions such as EVG. As of now, there's no report of an ongoing EVG strike vote or active negotiation with Deutsche Bahn.

The science of workplace wellness is crucial for understanding the EVG's stance, as they advocate for health and wellness in the industry, including finance, by pressing for fair salary increases to ensure the well-being of employees in the transportation sector.
The recent agreement between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL), involving a real wage reduction and a strike ban, might set a concerning precedent for unions like EVG, who have traditionally focused on pay raises, improved working conditions, and job security.
In contrast to the GDL, the EVG is not called to compromise on its primary demands for substantial pay raises, as they argue that employees in public transit deserve fair compensation for their essential work, as they operate buses and trains daily under various challenges.
The success of transportation, whether by railway or other means, is contingent upon a dedicated workforce, highlighting the necessity for unions like EVG to prioritize the health and wellness of their members in negotiations with employers like Deutsche Bahn.