Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 27, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 2, 2026
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Deutsche Bahn and the GDL train drivers’ union struck a wage deal on Feb. 27, avoiding new walkouts that could have disrupted passenger and freight traffic as the state-owned group restructures. The agreement comes early in CEO Evelyn Palla’s tenure, as DB tries to curb losses and stabilize its frei
BERLIN, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Germany's Deutsche Bahn and the GDL train drivers' union reached a wage agreement on Friday, averting strikes that had threatened to hit passenger and freight transport at a sensitive moment for the state-owned rail operator.
A GDL spokesperson confirmed the deal early on Friday, saying details would be presented later in the day. Deutsche Bahn also confirmed the breakthrough, which follows months of tense talks over pay and working conditions for around 10,000 staff covered by the union's contracts.
The GDL had pushed a 40-point catalogue of demands, including an overall wage increase of up to 8%, improved allowances, better terms for trainers and enhanced company pension bonuses.
The agreement marks an early test for new Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla, who is seeking to hand greater responsibility to operating units as the rail group battles heavy losses and a potential breakup of its cargo division, DB Cargo.
(Reporting by Christian Kraemer, Writing by Friederike Heine; Editing by Michael Perry)
Germany’s Deutsche Bahn and the GDL train drivers’ union reached the wage agreement.
They would have hit both passenger and freight transport.
Around 10,000 staff are covered by the union’s contracts.
Demands included an overall wage increase of up to 8%, improved allowances, better terms for trainers, and enhanced company pension bonuses.
It comes as CEO Evelyn Palla seeks to hand greater responsibility to operating units while the group battles heavy losses and a potential breakup of DB Cargo.
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