German rail company Deutsche Bahn has reached a basic agreement with the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) over wage disputes that caused chaos across the country's national rail system.
Exact details of the agreement have not been disclosed but Deutsche Bahn says its wage offer is "the highest there's been in Germany in the past decade".
A key point of contention has been the GDL's insistence that train drivers be given a separate deal from other rail workers.
Deutsche Bahn has offered to give drivers different wages from its other workers on the condition they stay within its overall wage system.
Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee told Reuters: "This is a good sign for the staff and a good day for the company."
Although the GDL has not ruled out further strikes, its leader Manfred Schell says: "As long as we are in negotiations, we will not strike."
The GDL led the largest strikes in Deutsche Bahn’s history from 14 to 17 November.
Deutsche Bahn estimated the strike cost it €50m a day.
By Tim McAtackney
