Germany currently lacks around 8,000 bus drivers, but the situation could escalate

Germany has a huge shortage of professional drivers, which is why bus operators are increasingly being forced to limit services and cancel routes, the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) announced.

VDV president Harald Kraus revealed that many drivers left the job because of low wages: ‘I am not aware of a single company in the bus transport sector that is not forced to cancel at least one route. Financial conditions have now improved, as the importance of public transport has increased, but there is simply a lack of staff,’ Kraus states.

What amounts are we talking about?

The hourly wage of a bus driver in public transport in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia is 15.60 euros.

This applies to an entry-level driver. More experienced drivers have better conditions.

The Association of Intercity and International Bus Operators (DBO) stated that they are currently lacking 7,800 drivers, and by 2030 the figure will rise to 87,000 drivers.

As German Labour Minister Hubertus Heil emphasized last week, Germany continues to face a major labor shortage. He announced further incentive measures for the immigration of workers to Germany, Hina reports.

At the beginning of the month, the Federal Employment Office announced that there is still strong demand for skilled workers, especially in healthcare and the IT sector.

Source: jutarnji.hr