Staff Shortages in Ukrainian Railways Threaten Safety

The staffing level of the locomotive department of Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) is at 90%, creating serious problems for ensuring safe train operations, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In the first five months of 2024, 173 drivers resigned, while only two new employees were hired.

This was reported on the Rail.insider portal, citing data from the Trade Union of Railway and Transport Construction Workers of Ukraine.

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The union specialists analyzed compliance with labor laws and working hours in the locomotive department, reviewing statistics and primary documents for the period.

It was found that bonuses for employees do not depend on performance indicators and are limited to 15%.

Even in highly scarce professions, the average bonus size for the first five months of 2024 was 17.2%.

Due to staff shortages, 7,700 employees work overtime 24 hours a month, negatively affecting work quality and safety.

The union also found that in several regional branches, additional payments for performing duties of temporarily absent employees are limited to 50% of the base salary, while actual payments range from 20–40%.

Even in depots where the collective agreement stipulates a minimum of 50%, the situation remains unsatisfactory.

The main reason for such mass resignations is low wages, deterring potential workers.

The most critical positions are those that ensure the uninterrupted operation of railways and traffic safety, with staffing levels at only 75%.

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