Finance
Germany's DB Cargo plans 6,000 job cuts in bid to return to profit
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Tags:logistics
Quick Summary
DB Cargo will cut 6,000 jobs—nearly half its workforce—by 2030 to slash costs and meet EU profit rules. CEO Bernhard Osburg targets a small net profit in 2026 as volumes fall; unions promise tough talks.
DB Cargo to cut 6,000 jobs as Deutsche Bahn unit targets 2026 profit
By Christian Kraemer
BERLIN, Feb 19 (Reuters) - German railway operator Deutsche Bahn's struggling freight business DB Cargo plans to cut 6,000 jobs, nearly half workforce, by 2030 as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at returning to profit, the unit's chief said on Thursday.
Confirming a Reuters report, Bernhard Osburg said the unit would eliminate about 6,000 of DB Cargo's 14,000 workforce in a bid to cut costs, which he said were too high.
"That's the gap between us and the competition," Osburg said, adding that business from the automotive, steel and chemicals sectors had fallen sharply without staffing adjustments.
About one million tonnes of goods are transported by rail every day in Germany. DB Cargo is the market leader, but its competitors together already have a market share of around 60%.
Additional pressure has come from the European Commission to curb excessive state support. DB Cargo is required to post a profit by the end of 2026, as its state-owned parent is no longer allowed to cover losses at the freight subsidiary.
Describing that goal as a major undertaking, Osburg said DB Cargo aimed to post a net profit in the double-digit millions for 2026. Osburg said the unit generated an operating profit for the second half, after a 96-million-euro operating loss (EBIT) in the first six months.
Cosima Ingenschay, deputy leader of the EVG rail union, said both sides agreed that DB Cargo must become more efficient but were at odds on how to achieve that, adding tough talks loomed.
“We will fight for every job,” said Ingenschay.
(Writing by Madeline Chambers, editing by Linda Pasquini and Thomas Seythal)
Key Takeaways
- •DB Cargo will eliminate about 6,000 positions by 2030 to cut costs and restore profitability.
- •CEO Bernhard Osburg cites high costs and weaker demand from auto, steel and chemicals as drivers.
- •EU conditions require DB Cargo to be profitable by end-2026; management targets a modest net profit.
- •The unit posted an H2 operating profit after a €96m EBIT loss in H1, amid rising competitive pressure.
- •EVG union opposes large-scale layoffs and expects tough negotiations over the restructuring.
Frequently Asked Questions about Germany's DB Cargo plans 6,000 job cuts in bid to return to profit
1What is the main topic?
DB Cargo, Deutsche Bahn’s freight unit, plans 6,000 job cuts as part of a restructuring aimed at returning to profit under EU state-aid conditions by the end of 2026.
2How many jobs will be cut and by when?
About 6,000 roles—nearly half of the 14,000-strong workforce—are slated to be eliminated by 2030 to reduce costs and streamline operations.
3Why is DB Cargo restructuring?
High costs and weaker demand from key industries have hurt results. EU conditions require profitability by end-2026, prompting deep cost cuts and operational reforms.
