The General Works Council of Deutsche Bahn has voiced sharp criticism of Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) and the German federal government in a communication to employees, reported by “Handelsblatt”. The council’s chairwoman, Heike Moll, accused Minister Schnieder of creating “additional unrest” within the corporation through the premature termination of current CEO Richard Lutz’s contract.
The criticism centers on what the Works Council perceives as a conflicting approach from the government. Minister Schnieder reportedly prioritized determining personnel matters “after” outlining a new corporate strategy, yet proceeded with the early termination of Lutz’s contract beforehand. Moll also highlighted a perceived contradiction in the federal government’s stance on infrastructure financing, noting that while acknowledging the necessity of investment, full funding has not been provided.
The General Works Council urged the federal government to ensure “stability within the company and fulfill its responsibility”. They emphasized the need for a management board capable of clearly communicating to the corporation’s owner that enhanced service quality and increased rail traffic are contingent upon sufficient financial resources.
This critique emerges just days before the planned unveiling of Deutsche Bahn’s new strategy, scheduled for presentation by Minister Schnieder in Berlin on Monday. The appointment of a successor for Richard Lutz remains uncertain, according to sources within Deutsche Bahn and the Ministry, suggesting that a new CEO will not be presented alongside the strategy at this time. The outgoing CEO will remain in his position until a replacement is found.