Job cuts at the railway: Deutsche Bahn: No immediate job cuts in train operations

Deutsche Bahn has alarmed the railway and transport union (EVG) with the announcement of tens of thousands of job cuts – in a top-level meeting with employee representatives, CEO Richard Lutz has now assured that the cuts will not immediately affect direct rail operations. “We have to save money, but we will not cut back on customers and safety,” he said after the meeting.

“Anyone who is needed for operations will be hired, without any ifs or buts,” said HR Director Martin Seiler, who was also present at the meeting. “In the direct rail business, we have a continuing high demand, especially for train drivers, maintenance staff, train traffic controllers and service staff.” This year alone, the railway is therefore planning to hire around 25,000 new employees.

In view of the worsening shortage of skilled workers, the operational area is also expected to shrink in terms of personnel in the medium to long term. “But of course that will only be possible if the new developments take hold and release the corresponding potential,” emphasised Seiler. This refers to digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence.

In its half-yearly report, Deutsche Bahn announced that it would have to cut around 30,000 jobs over the next five years. “In the future, we must create more rail with fewer people,” said CFO Levin Holle at the time.

EVG boss Martin Burkert recently warned that the job cuts should not affect the operational area. Now he expressed relief. “This is an important signal to the workforce,” he said. “EVG demands maximum transparency in further measures.”

Deutsche Bahn assured that the reduction would not be achieved through layoffs. “Instead, natural fluctuation and the large internal labor market will be used,” it said. “Instruments such as partial retirement and voluntary severance payments are also available in individual cases.”