The
The Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivführer (GDL) is the oldest professional union in Germany, founded in 1867 as the Verein Deutscher Lokomotivführer (VDL). With over 150 years of history, the GDL has evolved from a specific representation for locomotive drivers to a comprehensive union for all direct personnel in the railway system. Today, the GDL has nearly 40,000 members and represents three-quarters of locomotive drivers, 40 percent of train attendants and onboard caterers, as well as other professional groups in railway infrastructure and transport companies[2][3][4].
The GDL focuses on safeguarding and promoting the professional, social, economic, legal, and ecological interests of its members. The main goals include:
The GDL is a bargaining partner of Deutsche Bahn AG and over 50 private railway transport companies. It has achieved significant successes in collective bargaining policy, such as the locomotive driver collective agreement (LfTV) and the federal framework collective agreement for train personnel (BuRa-Zug TV), through which it has significantly increased hourly wages for locomotive drivers and achieved a leveling of collective agreement levels[1][3][4].
The GDL is politically and confessionally independent and is committed to the liberal-democratic rule of law. Its mission is based on solidarity and the motto "One for all, all for one." The union is aware of its responsibility to its members and uses all legally permitted means to advocate for their interests[3].
The GDL promotes equal competitive conditions among transport modes and advocates that the rail transport mode is no longer disadvantaged. Through its collective bargaining policy and the improvement of working conditions, the GDL also contributes to social and economic sustainability in the railway sector[2][3].
The GDL is divided into seven districts and about 200 local groups, which allows for a strong regional presence and a close connection to the members. The youth organization of the GDL, the GDL Youth, represents the interests of younger members. The union also publishes the member magazine Voraus[4].
The GDL is a strong and committed voice for railway personnel in Germany, successfully fighting for the rights and interests of its members for decades.
