Hundreds of railway workers gathered outside Slovakia's Transport Ministry in Bratislava on Thursday to demand higher wages, improved workplace safety and increased investment in the country's railway infrastructure.
The demonstration brought together representatives of 17 trade unions operating across Slovakia's three state-owned railway companies. Protesters marched from Bratislava's main railway station to Freedom Square, where they presented a joint set of demands to the Transport and Finance Ministries.
The unions are calling for meaningful social dialogue, a sector-wide collective agreement, wages comparable to those in neighbouring Visegrad Four countries and stronger legal protection for railway employees. They also want measures to address shortages in key professions, including train drivers and dispatchers, as well as the establishment of a state transport infrastructure fund.
Railway Workers' Union chairman Dávid Capik said the sector remains seriously underfunded and criticised the proposed wage agreement at Slovak Railways (ŽSR). The employer has offered a one-off bonus of 200 euros in January 2027 and a five-percent wage increase from July. The unions are instead demanding a ten-percent increase from January.
Collective bargaining is expected to continue next week. Railway unions have been on strike alert since October 14, with additional employee organisations joining the action.
Peter Dubovský, vice-president of the Slovak Train Drivers' Federation, warned that staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure are affecting railway operations. He also criticised the introduction of cameras in train drivers' workplaces, claiming that some employees have already resigned because of the measure.
Protesters raised concerns about outdated safety systems, limited radio communication on certain railway lines and dependence on overtime to maintain train services.
Slovak Railways confirmed that negotiations have been ongoing for several months and reiterated its wage offer. The Transport Ministry said it respects employees' right to protest but pointed out that wages have increased under its current leadership by 18 percent at ŽSR, 17 percent at passenger operator ZSSK and 13.4 percent at freight operator ZSSK Cargo.
Source: TASR, STVR
