A critical warning has been issued by Christine Behle, deputy chair of the powerful Verdi trade union, concerning proposed personnel cuts within the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV). The union is vehemently opposing plans for a blanket reduction in staff, arguing it risks crippling vital infrastructure and jeopardizing Germany’s economic stability.
Digitalization Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) aims to implement workforce reductions of eight percent across all federal agencies by 2030. However, Behle contends this policy is profoundly misaligned with the urgent need for comprehensive renovation and expansion of Germany’s waterway network. She emphasizes that the WSV manages not only crucial transport routes but also security-critical infrastructure.
The union’s stance highlights a growing tension between government austerity measures and the maintenance of essential public services. Behle argues that instead of mandated cuts, a significant expansion of personnel is required to guarantee operational safety and to address the considerable backlog of investments needed for federal waterways. The current WSV workforce numbers approximately 10,000 employees nationwide, with around 9,000 working in field operations, responsible for the upkeep and repair of structures like weirs and locks. Repeated waves of personnel reductions have already left many facilities struggling to maintain basic operations and upkeep.
The Verdi union’s concerns are particularly sharp given the WSV’s pivotal role in Germany’s logistics chain and its position as a vital artery for both domestic and international trade. Critics suggest the proposed cuts represent a short-sighted approach that prioritizes immediate budget savings at the expense of long-term economic resilience and national security. The union argues that further downsizing will ultimately undermine Germany’s competitiveness and expose the nation to unacceptable risks.
