After months of discussions between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and works councils, 2,300 jobs at DB Cargo will be cut in the context of the company’s restructuring. To carry out this initiative, the German company is also introducing a voluntary termination scheme that would grant severance pay. “Those who are quick will receive increased severance pay”, stated a document from DB Cargo.

In other words, the first employees to apply for this scheme might receive higher severance than their colleagues. According to the company, the voluntary termination scheme is especially thought of for employees nearing retirement. Other than this scheme, DB Cargo is also introducing a ‘partial retirement’ scheme, which would see workers being partially phased out until December 2025.

DB Cargo will have six new business units

The initiative is the result of DB Cargo’s massive restructuring, necessary to avoid sanctions from the European Commission. From the beginning of 2025, DB Cargo will be divided into six units, as CEO Sigrid Nikutta confirmed on LinkedIn. The new business units will include “Steel, Automotive, Liquids & Bulk, Full Load Solutions and the largest single wagon network in Europe. Combined transport (maritime and continental) will also remain a major pillar in terms of entrepreneurial independence”, she claimed.

This article was initially published on Project Cargo Journal’s sister website Railfreight.com