![\"German](\"\/\/image.hurimg.com\/i\/hurriyet\/75\/0x0\/699706e87455d5f5e591410f.jpg\")
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Engine drivers of German railway operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) sit in a locomotive of a goods train at the freight railway station in Hagen, western Germany.<\/p>\n
Germany’s state railway Deutsche Bahn said Thursday that it would cut about 6,000 jobs at its cargo subsidiary in a bid to boost profitability and reduce dependence on government funds.<\/p>\n
“The current restructuring plan envisages a reduction of approximately 6,000 jobs at DB Cargo,” Deutsche Bahn said in a blog post.<\/p>\n
“The plan is to implement this in a socially responsible manner.”<\/p>\n
Loss-making DB Cargo is facing an EU investigation under state aid rules, with an official decision due in October.<\/p>\n
Cutting 6,000 jobs — equivalent to roughly half the firm’s workforce in Germany — would help the cargo division stand on its own two feet, Deutsche Bahn said.<\/p>\n
“The goal is to align DB Cargo with European growth markets, streamline structures and thus make it sustainably profitable,” it said.<\/p>\n
“This will enable the company to comply with the conditions of an EU competition procedure.”<\/p>\n
Cosima Ingenschay, deputy head of the EVG transport union, said DB Cargo should not be made more efficient on the backs of workers.<\/p>\n
“We expect every stone to be unturned and every possible measure to boost efficiency to be checked before large-scale job<\/a> cuts<\/a> start,” she said.<\/p>\n “I promise the employer that very tough negotiations lie ahead. We will fight for every job,” she said.<\/p>\n