Despite announcing significant job cuts across the organization, German rail giant Deutsche Bahn is reportedly planning to hire 5,200 apprentices and students in the upcoming year. The announcement, attributed to sources within the railway workers’ union, EVG, by the Tagesspiegel newspaper, highlights a perplexing strategic shift amidst a broader restructuring program.
The apparent contradiction underscores the precarious state of the German rail network. Deutsche Bahn has recently struggled to consistently staff critical signaling posts, leading to frequent train cancellations, particularly on regional and less-trafficked routes. The new hires are primarily earmarked for roles involving train operations and related services.
EVG union leader Martin Burkert welcomed the move, acknowledging the critical need for fresh talent while simultaneously acknowledging the dire condition of the infrastructure. “The infrastructure is dilapidated and the situation at the rail network is dramatic” Burkert stated. He emphasized that the continued operation of the rail system is largely due to the dedication and expertise of existing employees who consistently find solutions despite pervasive problems.
The decision to maintain high apprenticeship numbers directly challenges the backdrop of a looming skills shortage across Germany. The EVG union forcefully advocated for the stability of Deutsche Bahn’s training commitment, recognizing the potential for further declines detrimental to the service. Burkert applauded Personnel Director Martin Seiler for supporting the initiative despite the current challenges facing the company.
The planned hiring stands in stark contrast to the restructuring agenda being spearheaded by newly appointed CEO Evelyn Palla, who announced on Thursday sweeping job cuts, primarily targeting positions within the corporate headquarters. While a specific number of affected roles remains undisclosed, Palla’s predecessor, Richard Lutz, previously outlined plans under the “S3” restructuring program to eliminate 30,000 positions by 2029.
The EVG views the continued investment in apprentices as a positive outcome of ongoing negotiations. “5,200 new young employees are 5,200 future problem solvers” affirmed Burkert. He predicted that these new hires will contribute to maintaining rail operations, mitigating some of the disruption associated with the extensive and ongoing restructuring efforts and ultimately, easing the burden for rail passengers. The move, however, reveals an uneasy balance – an attempt to shore up vital operational functions while simultaneously dismantling the organizational structure responsible for them – raising questions about the long-term sustainability of the strategy and the potential for further instability within the German rail system.
