SPD invites STOAG works councils to the regional parliament assembly
In a recent meeting held at the state parliament, SPD MPs Frederick Cordes, Sonja Bongers, and Stefan Zimkeit, along with STOAG management board members Uwe de Wys, Thorsten Kamps, Manfred Michalik, and Vedat Koca, discussed the pressing issues of the skilled worker shortage and the safety of employees in public transportation.
The meeting, which took place during an SPD faction reception, was initiated to address the significant impact that staff shortages in public transportation are having on daily life in Oberhausen. SPD transport expert, Frederick Cordes, emphasized the importance of a functioning road network and an attractive public transport system in the city, stating that disruptions impact the lives of many.
Cordes also highlighted the fact that more than half of workers in North Rhine-Westphalia commute daily between their residence and job in different cities, making the reliability and safety of public transportation a crucial concern.
Sonja Bongers, another SPD MP present at the meeting, emphasized the need for incentives to make these jobs more attractive, as attracting and retaining skilled workers is a crucial step towards addressing the shortage.
The discussion also focused on the need for investment in transport infrastructure, a concern raised by Stefan Zimkeit. He stated that this issue must be urgently addressed to ensure the continued smooth operation of public transportation in Oberhausen and beyond.
The management board members, in agreement, stated that the newly introduced Germany Ticket should not compromise the expansion and quality of public transportation. They also emphasized that employees in public transport demand more respect for their work and that incidents such as insults should not be tolerated.
The meeting concluded with the Oberhausen MPs thanking the STOAG management board members for the discussion and promising to continue the exchange in the future.
While specific initiatives by STOAG’s Oberhausen management board to address the skilled worker shortage or improve safety in public transportation were not detailed in the meeting, public transportation companies like STOAG typically implement initiatives such as recruitment campaigns and training programs, collaboration with vocational schools and local authorities, investment in safety technology, and continuous safety training and awareness programs.
However, for exact, up-to-date information on STOAG’s actions on these issues, direct sources such as STOAG’s official communications, recent press releases, or local government reports would be necessary.
[1] Job platform listing STOAG as a company. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link] [2] STOAG job postings. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link]
- The pressing issues of the skilled worker shortage and the safety of employees in public transportation were discussed in a meeting between SPD MPs and STOAG management board members, highlighting the impact these problems have on daily life in Oberhausen.
- SPD transport expert, Frederick Cordes, emphasized the need for a functioning road network, an attractive public transport system, and reliable, safe public transportation as crucial concerns for the city's residents.
- Sonja Bongers advocated for incentives to make public transportation jobs more attractive, as attracting and retaining skilled workers is essential for addressing the shortage.
- The management board members called for investment in transport infrastructure, emphasizing the need to expand and maintain the quality of public transportation without compromising it, and advocating for respect and protection for employees from incidents like insults.
