An agreement to end the strike of railway workers in Germany stipulates a 35-hour work week

Germany – The German transport company “Deutsche Bahn” reached an agreement with the company’s drivers and workers, following negotiations that took 5 months and began following strikes, stipulating a reduction in weekly working hours.

Under the agreement, train drivers and some employees of the main railway operating company in Germany will work 35 hours a week instead of 38 hours a week by 2029 without reducing their salaries, but they will have the option to work longer for a higher wage, according to what the two sides announced on Tuesday.

The most prominent point of contention was the union’s demand to reduce working hours without reducing wages. Some smaller operators agreed, but the official operator, Deutsche Bahn, initially refused.

The agreement sees weekly working hours reduced to 35 hours in 4 stages from 2026 to 2029. However, workers will have the right to choose to work between 35 to 40 hours per week in exchange for receiving a higher wage.

The agreement also includes a total salary increase of 420 euros per month in two stages, and a one-time sum of 2,850 euros to compensate for inflation.

Martin Schiller, Deutsche Bahn’s chief employee, described the agreement as a “smart settlement” that provides the company with flexibility and additional capacity “in a difficult labor market.”

Union president Klaus Weselski said the shorter week was “urgently necessary” to attract more employees to the railways.

Source: AP