Record numbers thanks to employees – vida calls for fair conditions
vida-Tauchner: "Records are not made by tables, but by people"
ÖBB balance sheet 2025
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) recorded a new record of 559 million passengers. Behind these figures are not Excel spreadsheets, but thousands of employees who keep the business running every day.
"559 million passengers are not a sure-fire success, but the result of the daily commitment of tens of thousands of employees. They are the backbone of the Group and a guarantor of stability and resilience – even under the most adverse circumstances."Vorsitzender des vida-Fachbereichs Eisenbahn
More performance despite growing stress
Despite massive challenges – such as line closures abroad or increasing attacks on staff and passengers – it has been possible to further increase operating performance. According to vida, productivity per employee has increased by over 11 percent in the last two years.
At the same time, there is a problematic development: the share of personnel costs in operating performance is falling continuously.
"If the railways are to remain attractive for employees, additional performance must also be worthwhile," demands Tauchner. Without fair wages and safe working conditions, there is a risk of the loss of urgently needed skilled workers – a risk for the entire industry.
Rail freight transport: Alarm signal for jobs
The union is critical of the development in rail freight transport. The current figures are not only economically problematic, but also endanger jobs.
"The current developments in Austria and Europe are endangering precisely those service providers who are driving our rail system," warns Tauchner.
A central problem remains the unequal competition between rail and road. A lack of true costs would massively disadvantage climate-friendly freight transport by rail.
Transport turnaround needs strong railways – also in the freight sector
Freight transport by rail is a key to climate protection and security of supply.
"Just celebrating records in passenger transport is not enough. These services must also be available in freight transport – today and in the future," says Tauchner.
Success needs respect and fair pay
ÖBB's record figures show the potential of the railway - but also its dependence on employees. Without better working conditions, fair pay and long-term strategies, success threatens to wear and tear.
The railway can only be as strong as the people who operate it every day.
