Hamburg Hochbahn and ver.di Reach Wage Agreement, Averting Further Strikes
Hamburg, March 31 – Hamburg Hochbahn, the city’s public transport operator, and the ver.di trade union have successfully concluded wage negotiations, reaching an agreement that will prevent further strikes. The deal, finalized late Monday evening, comes after eight warning strikes that significantly disrupted U-Bahn and bus services in the city.
Two-Year Agreement Secures Wage Increases and Peace
The agreement ensures industrial peace for two years. According to ver.di, the wage tariff agreement includes a retroactive increase of three percent, or a minimum of 130 euros, effective from January 1. Employees will receive an additional 2.4 percent raise, or a minimum of 110 euros, starting January 1, 2027.
For the largest group of employees, those in driving services, this translates to an impressive seven percent increase from 2027. Additionally, the 13th-month salary will rise from 90 to 92.5 percent, and the subsidy for the Deutschlandticket (Germany Ticket) will also increase.
“A Long Struggle” Says ver.di
Saskia Heidenberger, Hochbahn’s Head of Human Resources, commented, “Hochbahn is a responsible employer. We have pushed to the limits of what is financially feasible.” Gabriel Arndt, ver.di’s chief negotiator, stated in a press release, “It was a long struggle because we first had to fend off the employer’s intended zero-round and excessively long terms.” He emphasized that the high willingness of colleagues to strike strengthened the negotiating committee’s position.
The negotiations were challenging, with ver.di initially demanding a 7.5 percent wage increase over one year, while Hochbahn primarily sought a longer term for the agreement. The union had previously orchestrated eight warning strikes, which largely paralyzed U-Bahn and bus traffic in Hamburg.
Previous Strikes Highlighted the Urgency of Negotiations
The recent agreement brings an end to a period marked by significant disruptions to public transport. Earlier in March, ver.di had called for another warning strike on March 21, following previous strikes that had seen U-Bahns remain in depots until early morning hours. These actions were part of a broader wave of public transport strikes across several German states, as ver.di sought better working conditions and higher wages for its members.
The last major strike had concluded on a Sunday morning, with U-Bahns and buses resuming service after two days of industrial action. The dispute underscored the critical role of public transport workers and the impact their demands have on daily life in major cities like Hamburg.
Impact on Hamburg’s Commuters
The resolution of the dispute is a welcome relief for thousands of Hamburg commuters who rely on Hochbahn’s services daily. The previous strikes caused considerable inconvenience, forcing many to seek alternative modes of transport or adjust their daily routines. The new agreement ensures stability and predictability for both employees and passengers.
Hochbahn, as a municipal transport company, plays a vital role in Hamburg’s infrastructure. The successful conclusion of these negotiations reflects a commitment from both management and the union to find common ground and ensure the continued smooth operation of public transport in the city.
The details of the agreement will now be implemented, and employees can look forward to improved remuneration and benefits over the next two years. This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of collective bargaining in addressing the concerns of workers while maintaining essential public services.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/tarifgespraeche-hamburger-hochbahn-und-verdi-haben-sich-geeinigt,hochbahn-134.html
