German railway unions secure new wage deals

The Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivführer (GDL) says Deutsche Bahn AG has adopted parts of the GDL’s recent tariff agreement through the EVG, portraying it as a move to preserve “operational peace” while the railway prepares restructuring and staff cuts. GDL argues the copying undermines independent collective bargaining and serves the employer’s interest in a compliant partner.

At the Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), seven negotiation rounds resulted in a new collective‑bargaining contract that raises salaries for permanent staff, apprentices and other employees by up to 5.73 % in three steps retroactive to 1 February 2026. The deal also secures an extra vacation day, a guarantee of continued employment, and links part of the increase to a broader ARD‑wide agreement on personnel placement and a modest increase in the broadcast fee.