The shortage of train drivers and train conductors could mean that SJ is forced to cancel departures this summer. If this becomes necessary, train passengers can be notified at short notice.
”"Prioritizations will be made, actually weekly, for which departures we will be able to run and not depending on how the staff can imagine working," says Jonas Olsson, press communicator at SJ, to TT.
The company is now urging people who are going to travel to plan ahead when planning their summer trips.
”"If you have a time that needs to be met, you should take some time off because you may need to travel either earlier in the day or a day earlier perhaps," says Olsson.
SJ has no information on how many train drivers and train conductors are missing before the summer. But many people want to travel by train.
”"As more people want to travel, demand increases and that is what is difficult to meet."”
It is the Labour Party that has drawn attention to the possible problems.
Right now, SJ is offering extra compensation to employees who are considering moving during their vacation. This is regulated in the collective agreement. Several have taken up the offer.
”"Especially around the midsummer weekend, things are looking very good right now."”
If SJ is forced to cancel train departures due to staff shortages, routes between major cities, for example, can be prioritized, says Jonas Olsson.
”"We have certain departures that are more sought after and it is clear that then we have to try to fill those trains with staff."”
Right now, many employers are competing for personnel for service professions and at the same time there is a general shortage of train drivers in the country.
That is the root cause of the recruitment problems, says Olsson. During the pandemic, it has been difficult to plan for the personnel situation going forward.
”It is difficult to make these assessments and it also takes time to train train drivers.”
So far, no departures have had to be cancelled due to staff shortages. However, track work has led to late ticket releases recently.
”"It has been perceived that we have not sold tickets for certain departures or that there have been changes," says Olsson.
The shortage of train drivers is also being felt at the MTR train company. Employees there may also be offered extra compensation if they postpone their vacation, says Lars Nyström at the company's press office.
He does not believe the company will have to cancel layoffs due to the staff shortage.
”"The calculation we are making now is that we will be able to do what we have promised, that is, that we will be able to cope."”
Source:DI.SE-TT
