Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced a significant restructuring plan that includes cutting approximately 30,000 full-time jobs over the next five years. This decision comes after the company reported a €1.2 billion loss in the first half of the year, citing recent strikes, major construction projects, and extreme weather conditions as the primary causes.
In addition to the job cuts, the company also plans to close unprofitable divisions, particularly in rural and economically weaker regions. Specific railway lines are reportedly targeted for closure as well.
The German government, which owns Deutsche Bahn, is pushing for the company to become more economical and competitive. However, there are concerns about the impact of these changes. Extensive job cuts may affect work processes, increase workloads, and potentially raise the risk of accidents for employees and passengers. Furthermore, reducing rail services in remote areas may disproportionately impact commuters and rural residents by limiting transportation options.
To address these concerns, Deutsche Bahn and the German government are collaborating with trade unions to manage the job cuts in a socially responsible manner and minimize redundancies.
