Railway warning: In the future, a shortage of skilled workers will threaten rail traffic!
Railway warning: In the future, a shortage of skilled workers will threaten rail traffic!
Deutschland - The shortage of skilled workers in rail traffic is an urgent problem that affects both Austria and Germany. Gerhard Tauchner, Chairman of the Railway department in the Vida union, comments concerned about the current developments. On May 15, 2025, he explained that the railroaders must not be disadvantaged. Tauchner warns of negative consequences that are already observed in Germany and emphasizes the importance of reliable financing of infrastructure and personnel. He supports the announcement of the Federal Government and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) that the staff should not be saved.
The ÖBB, like many other companies, fights with constant fluctuation and a wave of retirement. Every year between 4,000 and 5,000 new employees are sought: inside in order to be able to maintain the operation. According to Tauchner, there are currently 4.5 million overtime and 400,000 non -consumed remaining vacation days, which indicates the acute lack of personnel. Furthermore, he considers investments in sustainable jobs in the railway sector to be urgently necessary in order to maintain the required service.
Personnel needs and the challenges
The ÖBB recorded 120,000 applications in the previous year and were able to hire 6,200 new employees in 2024, including 685 apprentices. But these numbers are in the context of a much greater need: by 2030, the ÖBB need a total of 24,500 additional employees, which corresponds to around 4,100 per year. An important reason for this personnel requirement is the retirement of the baby boomers, of which around 9,000 railroaders will retire by 2030. In addition, around 16% of the newcomers leave the train within the first two years.
The challenges are reinforced by the fluctuation. Every sixth employee leaves the railway after a short time, while 26% of the employees are unclassable. Various employer benefits such as driving gaps for families and a good reconciliation of family and work are advantageous for the ÖBB. In addition, premiums of twice 2,500 euros for dispatchers and plaster are offered to win new employees.
Problems in cross -border traffic
Another aspect that tightens the situation are the problems of the Deutsche Bahn, which also affect train traffic in Austria. More than 50% of the delays at ÖBB are due to difficulties abroad, mainly in Germany. Tauchner urged the rail to be relocated from the rail on the road, which he sees as the wrong path. Important high -performance routes in Germany are currently closed until 2027, which brings additional challenges for cross -border traffic.
The need for fast and effective solutions is given, while investments are on the political agenda due to persistent budget problems. Savings constraints could affect planned investments in the infrastructure, which further reduces the potential for a long -term improvement in the situation. In view of these challenges, the question of how the upcoming shortage of skilled workers in Germany, which already affects the traffic professions, can be compensated for. According to a study by the competence center, an increase in skilled workers is predicted in particular in traffic professions, which reflects the urgency of personnel forecasts in Austria.
Overall, ÖBB are faced with the challenge of maintaining both ongoing operation and covering the growing personnel requirements in the future. The requirement of well -trained staff and a stable financial basis remains a central topic for the narrow, international traffic questions.
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