Better job conditions

Climate activists on the side of bus drivers

(Bild: Tschepp Markus)

Trade unionists and Fridays for Future are calling for an easier working life for bus drivers in order to expand public transport.

At first glance, it seems unusual for climate activists and trade unionists to join forces. But on Friday, the Vida trade union and Fridays for Future jointly called for better working conditions for bus drivers. Because without the drivers, there can be no expansion of public transport and no climate protection. "Only with better working conditions will we achieve the mobility turnaround," says Vida national chairman Fritz Schinagl.

He sees three main problem areas for bus drivers. In terms of working hours, split shifts, i.e. long unpaid breaks between two shifts, which often only consist of a few paid working hours. The lack of adequate break infrastructure. "During the break, our drivers are often standing somewhere in the middle of nowhere, without a toilet, without a break room and can only stay on the bus," explains Schinagl.

"We still have a six-day week. Elsewhere, people are talking about a four-day week. We would be happy with a five-day week," says Albus works councillor Ruth Stutzmüller.

(Bild: Tschepp Markus)

Bus drivers and train drivers are already shortage occupations
Pay is also a problem. "The starting salary is not bad, but then there is practically no increase for ten years," says the trade unionist. Many drivers would then quit again.

Schinagl finds it "sad" that bus drivers, like train drivers, are now on the shortage occupation list. He says: "This can only be the last resort. It would be better to improve working conditions so that the profession is attractive again."