ŽSR railway workers enter strike readiness over wage disputes

Employees of Železnice Slovenskej republiky (ŽSR) have entered a state of strike readiness following the failure of collective bargaining negotiations. The dispute centers on disagreements regarding wage increases for the years 2026 and 2027.

The Trade Union of Railway Workers (OZŽ) at ŽSR criticized the employer's proposal of a 0 percent increase in base wages for 2026, stating it fails to cover expected inflation. Union representatives have called for pressure actions and warned of escalating intensity if a resolution is not reached.

Union leaders have urged the Ministers of Finance and Transport to address the situation, noting that current state proposals ignore the real needs of railway workers and fail to provide sufficient budgetary funds. They highlighted that ŽSR faces long-term underfunding and high investment debt, even as projected expenditures for the company are set to decrease by 4 million euros next year.