Concerns are mounting over potential job losses within DB Cargo, Germany’s largest freight rail operator, as two consulting firms prepare to present proposals for the future of its single-wagon transport business. The railway union, EVG (Eisenbahngewerkschaft), estimates that between 4,000 and 8,000 positions could be impacted.
According to the union’s deputy chairwoman, Cosima Ingenschay, further cuts would represent a “dramatic blow” following years of previous reductions in staffing. The consulting firms’ recommendations, which have not yet been publicly released, reportedly detail the potential restructure of the single-wagon transport sector.
The EVG strongly criticizes any move to significantly reduce or eliminate this service. They argue that single-wagon transport remains a vital component of DB Cargo’s operations and a crucial contributor to the national economy. A decline in this sector would likely result in a substantial increase in truck traffic, potentially worsening congestion on German roads. The union maintains that undermining the service contradicts the stated goals of government funding designed to support its economic value.
To safeguard jobs and ensure the continued viability of single-wagon transport, the EVG is proposing a transfer of this service under the umbrella of DB InfraGo, a subsidiary responsible for railway infrastructure. The union suggests designating the service as a non-profit operation, removing the pressure to generate profits. While DB InfraGo currently operates under a “common welfare-oriented” model, it still generates profits. The EVG believes a formal non-profit designation would provide a more stable foundation for the crucial freight rail service.