The German train drivers’ union (GDL) has welcomed the decision by Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing to remove Richard Lutz from his position as head of Deutsche Bahn (DB). In a statement released Thursday evening, the union described the move as “an important signal of the Minister’s ability to act and clear willingness to address the acute problems at DB.
GDL Chief Mario Reiß stated that Lutz’s dismissal was “a necessary consequence of years of mismanagement that have driven Deutsche Bahn deeper and deeper into the current crisis”. He asserted that the decision was both correct and unavoidable, citing years of suffering for railway workers and customers due to a leadership team that, according to the GDL, consistently made poor decisions at their expense. The union highlighted issues such as overwork, staff reductions and a perceived lack of appreciation, claiming these were the realities facing the system while mismanagement and misplaced priorities hampered progress.
However, the GDL cautioned that simply replacing the leadership is insufficient to resolve the deeply rooted problems at DB. The union argues that “comprehensive and sustainable measures” are required, specifically focusing on the rehabilitation and separation of financial flows, the modernization of infrastructure and a fundamental reform of the corporate structure. The union also suggests that the current structure as a joint-stock company needs to be thoroughly reviewed.
