German train drivers earn less than you'd think

[unhappycamper]

http://www.dw.de/german-train-drivers-earn-less-than-youd-think/a-18467783

What's all the fuss about? The strike is over, right? Now the Bundestag is even talking about when workers can strike? When it comes to German train drivers, they have all the right in the world. DW looks at why.

German train drivers earn less than you'd think
Gabriel Borrud
22.05.2015

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One question, however, seemed to go missing throughout the media frenzy, which is astounding given its central importance: How much does a train driver for Germany's rail giant actually earn?

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According to information supplied by both Deutsche Bahn and GDL (a rare instance of mutual corroboration between the two, incidentally, but then again that's no surprise - the wages are strictly defined by contract), the most you can possibly earn as a Deutsche Bahn train driver is just a bit above 3,500 euros ($3,850) a month. That's before taxes, by the way, and it's the highest pay grade on the table, meaning these employees have taken on the highest amount of responsibility possible (team leader) - and that they've been around at Deutsche Bahn for a quarter of a century.

Just starting out, Deutsche Bahn drivers earn a relatively meager 2,300 euros, again before taxes. To provide a bit of perspective, working full-time on minimum wage in Germany would give you a monthly gross salary of around 1,600 euros.

Over time, the salary at Deutsche Bahn slowly increases. With five years experience, train drivers earn just under 2,500 euros; if they take on extra responsibilities, like training other workers, they can earn up to 3,200 euros. With 10 years experience, the minimum salary climbs to 2,600 euros, and the maximum 3,300 euros. With 15 years under your belt, you can be making 2,700 and 3,400 euros, and with 20 years experience your gross salary gamut rises to between 2,800 and 3,500 euros.