The German national rail freight operator DB Cargo is planning to reduce its workforce by 6,200 jobs. This is part of a restructuring plan that should make the company profitable by the end of 2026. Unsurprisingly, trade union EVG has not taken kindly to the plan.
EVG says that the existing restructuring concept partially addresses the trade union’s demands. It seeks to maintain single wagonload operations and growth prospects. EVG is also content that the plan avoids a “blind sell-off of table silver”, meaning valuable company assets.
As expected, trade union EVG will not support the massive job cuts at the freight operator, which would see nearly half the entire workforce leave DB Cargo in the coming years. “For us at EVG, one thing is clear: the last word has not yet been spoken!”
A last resort
The trade union adds that it will put forward proposals to strengthen DB Cargo while mitigating job losses. All alternative options must be exhausted before the company resorts to firing workers, says EVG. To that end, it will seek negotiations with the DB Cargo Board, which “will have to make concessions.”
Additionally, EVG does not believe that DB Cargo can remain a market leader with the remaining workforce if the plan goes ahead. The company would be left with 8,000 people among its personnel.
Besides the workforce reduction, the restructuring plan focuses on expanding into international markets, restructuring the single wagonload segment, and improving corporate culture. Despite EVG’s criticism, DB Cargo aims to remain a leading European rail logistics provider. However, success remains uncertain as details are finalised only by the summer of 2026.