[ad_1]
The Swiss Train Drivers and Candidates Association (VSLF) calls for a radical rethink at SBB. The lack of drivers and train cancellations are direct consequences of poor planning in recent years.
The current shortage of locomotive personnel has been announced over the years, the VSLF writes in a statement Saturday. Short-term thinking led, among other things, to incomplete training of young locomotive crew candidates, the specialization of which led to limited operational capacity and thus a weakening of SBB productivity and efficiency. .
Not flexible enough to use
On Swiss Radio SRF’s “Saturday Rundschau”, SBB boss Vincent Ducrot, who took office shortly after the lockdown began, said the shortage of train drivers would reach equilibrium by the middle of next year. He pointed out that the training lasts two years and that there are currently 340 candidates in training.
When asked why train conductors from other regions could not help in the particularly affected western part of Switzerland, for example, Ducrot said in an interview that train conductors could only drive certain routes and certain trains with their identification.
At this week’s biannual conference, Ducrot apologized for mistakes made by SBB in planning the driver. “I am ashamed,” SBB told the assembled press.
“Precarious situation”
The train conductors association stated in the current announcement that it is ready to help overcome the current “precarious financial and personal situation” and seek solutions. Above all, careful hiring and flexible deployment after training are considered important steps in problem solving.
The association recalled that the attractiveness of the machinist job was a decisive factor in hiring suitable people. For years there have been no significant salary adjustments for locomotive personnel. (SDA / uro)
