Helpless NS conductors in overcrowded trains: ‘We don’t feel at all’ NOW

NS operators are burdened by the high workload caused by the permanent shortage of staff at the railway operator. This is to the detriment of their job satisfaction and work-life balance. Two principal directors tell NU.nl about their experiences. They do this anonymously, because otherwise they fear getting in trouble with their employer.

‘Work is a lot less fun’

Peter (not his real name): “At the moment the trains are so busy that it is often not possible to walk on the train. As a result, in many cases I am unable to do my job properly. Travelers are more easily irritable and frustrated. negative impact on the atmosphere and social security “.

“On the one hand, people understand us, because we try to do our job too. On the other hand, no one wants to stay long on a too busy train. In addition, many travelers have had to change their travel plans between their home and their jobs, because there are fewer trains “.

“The work pressure is now so high that it has a negative impact on the working atmosphere. The staff shortage has put pressure on our shifts. Sometimes there is little free time between working days. This is not good for the balance between work and private, while the NS says they find it so important “.

“I also have the impression that many colleagues are over-stimulated. I hear many colleagues planning to work fewer hours. I’m thinking about it too.”

“I and many of my colleagues continue to report problems internally. But as driving staff we have little influence on the situation. And that’s the most frustrating thing. Decisions and choices are made by other departments. NS recognizes the problems and believes. which is also very annoying, but I think it needs something more “.

“NS is a great company and a good employer. Before the current problems arose, I really enjoyed my job. Now it’s a lot less fun.”

‘We transport people like sardines in a can’

Michael (not his real name): “At the moment the work is almost done. But the pressure at work is high and you are constantly under pressure. For example, chatting with someone is becoming less and less successful. Aggression towards us is even on the rise. Both verbally and physically “.

“We experience crowds on the train every day. There is an app where we can report if a train is too busy. But even after a year of having to carry people like sardines in a can, nothing has been done about it. “

“The time between trips is also getting shorter. Going to the bathroom or having a cup of tea has to be done quickly, quickly. There is also less time to agree things with colleagues about who does what. And to get in. in contact with the driver via the walkie-talkie. All this makes everything difficult “.

“I also feel less safe on the train. Especially now that chief directors are no longer allowed to mark the mark. That’s how we get drunk.”

“But you shouldn’t think you can change anything. The NS is a cumbersome organization. There is a huge gap between the people sitting in the office and us on the train. I don’t feel listened to by the elders at all. At the board They have no idea. what pressure are we under “.

“So yeah, work is a lot of fun. You come everywhere, you see a lot and you experience a lot. Only the irregularity will break me. Sometimes you have a late shift on Mondays and Tuesdays, which can finish around 2am. Then you have one day off and then you can have three shifts early, where you can also start at 5:00.