Employees of the Hamburger Hochbahn get significantly more money. After five rounds of negotiations, including a 24-hour warning strike on the underground and elevated railway buses, the Verdi union and the local transport employers’ association agreed on a collective agreement on Tuesday evening. Accordingly, the approximately 6,000 employees receive an average of 11.7 percent more wages.
With retrospective effect from January 1, employees are reported to have received 4.5 percent more money, but at least 300 euros a month. From January 1, 2024 there will be a further increase of 3 percent, but at least 100 euros. In addition, the employees received a tax- and non-contributory inflation compensation premium of 1,500 euros.
Trainees receive 200 euros more wages, a bonus of 750 euros and, from May, a free “Germany ticket”. The term of the collective agreement is 18 months.
“We are very satisfied that we have come to an agreement after intensive negotiations in challenging times,” said Hochbahn boss Henrik Falk on Wednesday. In addition to the pay increase, the payment of the premium was very important for the employer. “It creates a quick and effective relief for all employees in this difficult economic situation.”
Verdi had originally demanded 600 euros more monthly wages for the employees with a twelve-month collective bargaining term. The Hochbahn had initially offered an increase of at least 150 euros for a term of 21 months retrospectively as of January 1st and a further increase of 130 euros as of January 1st, 2024.