Berlin, December 12, 2025 – The Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG) Berlin chapter participated in the “Trade Union Round” organized by the DGB (German Trade Union Confederation) with the Governing Mayor. The discussions primarily focused on pressing issues within the rail and transport sectors that directly impact numerous employees across the capital region.
Challenges in Rail and Transport Sector Highlighted by EVG Berlin
During the meeting, EVG Berlin emphasized several critical areas that require immediate attention. These included the difficult situation facing DB Cargo, the planned restructuring of the DB Group, and recent tariff adjustments by the VBB (Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association).
DB Cargo’s Difficult Situation and Future of Single Wagon Transport
The EVG underscored that the single wagon transport sector continues to face a strained situation. These ongoing developments are significantly affecting numerous Berlin locations and their employees. The union stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the stability of jobs and operations within the capital.
Restructuring of the DB Group and Holding Structures
Another central topic of discussion was the planned restructuring of the DB Group and its holding structures. EVG Berlin highlighted that a substantial number of colleagues in Berlin could be particularly impacted by these changes. In response, the union called for robust social security measures and clear future perspectives for all affected employees, advocating for transparency and employee protection throughout the restructuring process.
Criticism of VBB Tariff Adjustments
The EVG voiced strong criticism regarding the recent tariff adjustments by the VBB. The union argued that price increases and the cancellation of certain tickets would, contrary to their intended steering effect, make public transport less attractive for many people. Commuters from surrounding areas are especially affected, partly due to the abolition of the “BC-Ticket.” The discontinuation of the popular 10-o’clock ticket in Berlin was also criticized, as it had previously incentivized public transport use outside of peak hours, helping to distribute passenger loads more evenly.
S-Bahn Berlin: EVG Demands Swift Transitional Contracts
Due to ongoing legal disputes, only limited details could be discussed regarding the current tender process for the S-Bahn. Nevertheless, the EVG emphasized the critical importance of rapidly advancing transitional contracts to provide planning security for employees and operations. The union proposed a “super-compensation regulation” as a pragmatic approach: during the transitional period, no excessive profits should be generated and transferred to the DB Group. This would ensure that more funds remain within the company, which could then be allocated to workshops, machinery, and, most importantly, personnel. The EVG also issued a warning about potential service restrictions in S-Bahn traffic if the legal proceedings continue to be delayed, underscoring the need for a swift resolution to prevent disruptions for passengers.
Outlook and Future Engagements
The meeting with the Governing Mayor provided a crucial platform for EVG Berlin to articulate the concerns and demands of its members. The union remains committed to advocating for the interests of employees in the rail and transport sectors, pushing for fair working conditions, job security, and accessible public transport services for all residents of Berlin and Brandenburg.
The EVG will continue to engage with political stakeholders and transport operators to ensure that the voices of transport workers are heard and their needs are met in future policy decisions and operational changes.
Source: https://www.evg-online.org/meldungen/details/news/evg-berlin-bei-gewerkschaftsrunde-des-dgb-gespraech-mit-dem-regierenden-buergermeister-13299/
