Wissing expects higher ticket prices for the train

After the agreement in the rail tariff dispute, many travelers are relieved. However, the agreed wage increases could have an impact on ticket prices: Transport Minister Wissing expects tickets to be more expensive.

According to Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP), the agreement reached in the collective bargaining dispute between the railway and the GDL train drivers’ union is likely to lead to higher prices for passengers.

The railway is “in competition with other rail companies and that is why this will have an impact on prices for consumers, that is clear,” Wissing told the broadcasters RTL and ntv. Wage increases often also bring with them price increases. However, the interests of the employees are justified.

criticism of Strike events

At the same time, Wissing also criticized the way the industrial dispute between the railways and the union took place this time. “What I disliked about this collective bargaining dispute is that strikes were carried out, but at the same time people were not prepared to talk at all.” That was difficult and upset many people.

“But now forget about it. Let’s look to the future,” he continued. The aim must now be to ensure the reliability and punctuality of the railway. To achieve this, more investment must be made in the infrastructure.

Agreement in the collective bargaining dispute

Bahn and GDL reached an agreement in the month-long collective bargaining battle on Monday and presented the details on Tuesday. Accordingly, both parties agreed, among other things, on a gradual reduction in standard weekly working hours from 38 to 35 hours by 2029 with full wage compensation. There is also an inflation compensation bonus and more salary.