The Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG), a German railway and transport union, has announced its intention to vote against the selection of Evelyn Palla as the new CEO of Deutsche Bahn (German Rail). EVG chairman Martin Burkert revealed the union’s position on Monday in Berlin.
The appointment follows an announcement by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU), who presented Palla as the preferred candidate to initiate a “new beginning” for the rail operator, encompassing changes across content, structure and personnel. Schnieder emphasized a phased approach towards transforming Deutsche Bahn, highlighting Palla’s emergence as the “best candidate” during the selection process. He noted her familiarity with the company’s internal operations and her successful management of the regional services division since 2022, demonstrating a commitment to customer focus.
Palla, addressing the announcement, underscored the importance of quality, stating it would now be a “leadership priority” at Deutsche Bahn. She affirmed that passenger satisfaction would be paramount and pledged to cultivate a new quality culture within the organization. Reaffirming the vital role of rail infrastructure, she emphasized that its ongoing renovation and maintenance remain a top priority, essential for the railway’s overall success.
Palla, originally from South Tyrol, joined Deutsche Bahn in 2019. Prior to her role within the German rail company, she held positions at Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and energy provider Eon.
