Domestic
Transport Minister Bilger wants to link salaries of railway executives to performance targets
Steffen Bilger plans to tie the salaries of railway managers to punctuality performance goals to increase pressure on railway leadership.
New Transport Minister Steffen Bilger has announced plans to link the salaries of Deutsche Bahn managers to the achievement of specific performance targets. This particularly includes punctuality, which he considers to be insufficient. Bilger aims to ensure that the railway adheres to its established goals more effectively through this measure.
His predecessor had proposed similar ideas, but they have not yet been implemented. According to Bilger, linking salaries to punctuality rates is intended to create greater pressure on the railway's leadership. This could help improve the railway's performance.
Bilger's approach has been welcomed by various stakeholders, as it is seen as a means to enhance the company's efficiency. He receives political support not only from within his own party but also from members of other factions who recognize the need to optimize the railway’s performance.
A side effect of this strategy could be fewer bonus payments in cases where targets are not met. Implementing this idea could encourage the railway's management to take measures to improve punctuality and to clarify responsibilities.
Bilger emphasizes that Deutsche Bahn has frequently been criticized for its delays in the past, underscoring the need to take performance targets seriously. By adjusting the salaries of executives, he aims to create incentives for improving the service structure.
The discussion around compensation systems and their alignment with corporate goals is expected to gain further significance in the future. However, the specific conditions and criteria for linking salaries have not yet been announced.