The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Köln-Gremberg, Seelze, Mannheim, Nürnberg, Halle, Magdeburg, other locations
Sector
Transportation / Storage 49 - Land transport and transport via pipelines 49.2 - Freight rail transport 49.20 - Freight rail transport
6,200 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
19 February 2026
Employment effect (start)
19 February 2026
Foreseen end date
31 December 2026
Description
DB Cargo, the freight division of Deutsche Bahn, has announced plans to cut 6,200 jobs. According to the company, almost all areas will be affected, including train operations, dispatching, planning, administration, sales, and IT.
The restructuring is planned to be implemented progressively during 2026, with the aim of restoring profitability by the end of the year. An EU ruling prohibits Deutsche Bahn, the parent company, from covering these losses. In addition, the CEO plans to focus more on other European countries. This is necessary because demand from the main customers in Germany - from the automotive, chemical and steel sectors - is becoming less and less.
The 6,200 job cuts will take place in Germany across multiple locations and functions. Around 2,000 of those reductions are expected in single-wagon traffic operations, while other job losses will affect operational, commercial, and administrative roles. Train formation activities will be concentrated at four main sites in Köln‑Gremberg, Seelze, Mannheim, and Nürnberg, with additional secondary sites. Of the company’s 27 maintenance facilities, 12 are planned to be closed or sold, with some sites such as Magdeburg already scheduled for closure and others, including Halle, refocused on limited activities. Job reductions are planned as part of a broader multi-phase restructuring concept extending to 2030.
The railway union EVG has stated that it will not accept the planned job cuts and intends to fight for every position. The EVG’s deputy chair also pointed out that wherever collective agreements are in place, employment protection applies. Compulsory redundancies would only be possible in Halle. DB Cargo employs approximately 14,000 full-time staff, so the announced cuts represent roughly 44% of its workforce.
Eurofound (2026), DB Cargo, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 204306, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204306.
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