New president on track
Gerhard Tauchner in action for fair, safe and social working conditions throughout Europe – and in the podcast talk.
vida Listen | Podcast
When it comes to the future of railways, Gerhard Tauchner has a clear goal: strong workers, safe trains and fair conditions throughout Europe. The Lower Austrian has been driving on the rails for over 40 years - first as a train driver for ÖBB, later as a passionate works council member and trade unionist. Early on, he set the course not only for himself, but also for his colleagues.
Fair and European
Since 2023, Gerhard Tauchner has been chairman of the railway department in the vida trade union. In December 2025, he was elected President of the Railway Section of the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF). With over 60 trade unions from 38 countries, he represents around 1.5 million railway workers in Europe. The common goal: a strong, safe and socially just railway.
"Many challenges affect railway workers throughout Europe. Together, we have more weight and can set standards that ensure safety, training and fair pay."Vorsitzender des Fachbereichs Eisenbahn, Gewerkschaft vida
Together for the good
"For me, good work means that the employees feel that their concerns are taken seriously," says Gerhard Tauchner. For him, trade union work begins right there - with the concerns and needs of the employees. Good collective agreements, fair pay, reliable working hours and secure jobs cannot be taken for granted. They are the result of hard, consistent lobbying.
Fight against wage and social dumping
In doing so, the vida trade unionist thinks beyond the borders of Austria: "Many challenges that we know of affect colleagues throughout Europe. Together, we have more weight and can set standards that ensure safety, training and fair pay." The fight against wage and social dumping is particularly important to Gerhard Tauchner. The increasing pressure for liberalisation is putting both companies and employees under massive pressure. For the railway unionist, it is clear: competition must not be carried out on the backs of the employees.
The future is strong and humane
The world of work is facing major challenges. The shortage of personnel on the train is noticeable, and at the same time violence against employees is increasing. "Railways must remain safe - for passengers and for staff. We are campaigning for this, in Austria and in Europe," emphasizes the trade unionist. In addition, it advocates digital recording of working hours, the modernisation of the Train Driver Directive and the preservation of direct awards. Rail freight transport is also particularly close to his heart: "There are clear competitive disadvantages compared to the road. We want to strengthen single wagonload transport in the long term - in the interest of employees, companies and, last but not least, the climate."
Railway workers – for life
On September 1, 2026, Gerhard Tauchner will start his 48th year of work. But anyone who thinks he is retiring is mistaken. He continues to be heavily involved in trade unions. His conviction is clear: "Once you are a railway worker and trade unionist, you will remain so for life." Especially in times of liberalisation pressure, staff shortages and growing uncertainty, strong voices are needed at national and European level. With Gerhard Tauchner, the European railway trade union movement is united on the rails.
