The safety of the passengers of the Railway Transport (ŽPCG) was not threatened at any moment, and today the traffic towards Bar runs regularly, while the passengers to Nikšić will be transported by buses.
This was said at a press conference by ŽPCG director Dragana Lukšić, regarding the challenges in that company and the cancellation of train traffic in recent days on the Bar-Podgorica-Nikšić section.
She pointed out that the age of the rolling stock for trains is 50 years, and that the Spanish-made "CAF" trains are currently undergoing repairs and that they hope that one of them will be in working order by the afternoon.
"We apologize to the passengers and thank them for their patience. Today, rail traffic to Bar is running regularly. In the afternoon, we will use alternative transport to Nikšić, i.e. buses, and we will try not to cancel trains, and we currently have problems with "CAF" trains. Everything depends on the correctness of that train. , we expect that a line to Nikšić should be established tonight or in the morning," emphasized Lukšić.
When it comes to the coming days, she pointed out that she expects the Spanish trains to pass and the normalization of traffic in all directions, and that buses will be used if the situation is different. She pointed out that the normalization of traffic is still uncertain, precisely because of the Spanish trains because they are being worked on.
Lukšić stated that, if it is determined that there were obstructions of the workers, a dozen of them who are part of the Single Trade Union will be subject to disciplinary proceedings and possibly dismissal if that happens.
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There are no increases for managers or workers
Lukšić clarified that part of the workers are creating obstructions in the way of stopping the trains even for minor malfunctions with which they could run, and that they talked with the Unified Union, which is also asking for 200 euros higher wages. She added that they did not reach an agreement with that union.
When asked if the workers' requests were answered, she stated that they were and that a salary increase was not possible at the moment.
"It is true that the train drivers, car inspectors, maneuverers asked for a salary increase of up to 200 euros. When we take the gross amount, it is some 296 thousand euros on a monthly basis, ŽPCG is simply not able to increase their salaries. The salaries could be higher already increased on the basis of the collective agreement and on the basis of the implementation of the Europe now 2 program, so that the train drivers had a 30 percent increase, 20 percent for single ownership...", she said and indicated that the increase it would not be in accordance with the law.
Regarding the salary increase for the management, for which the workers allegedly initially demanded higher wages, Lukšić said that this information was not correct and that the management did not receive an increase. She pointed out that the contract existed but was not signed because the decision was that no one would receive more salary.
Lukšić also stated that the engineers working in Deop also asked for an increase, while the salaries of train drivers range from 967 to 1.338 euros, for circuit inspectors from 814 to 992 euros, and the salaries of engineers are from 890 to 1.100 euros.
Asked about the fact that the workers' salary is 630 euros without variables, Lukšić stated that it is - and that they cannot legally receive an increase.
"The salaries are the same for the management, maybe there was a conversation to harmonize the coefficients with other companies and individuals asked, but nothing was granted," Lukšić added.
Obstructions, malfunctions and old regulations
Lukšić explained that the obstructions by the workers happen after the train leaves Belgrade, so inspectors check it in Belgrade, Prijepolje, Bijelo Polje and Podgorica, and then stop it in Bar and exclude it from traffic.
"In cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and inspectors, we are determining to see if this is the case. The reason is also the lack of investment in infrastructure and the obsolescence of the trains, and now there is one locomotive in Craiova due to investment repair, and two EMVs and cars in Smederevo for repair, and we immediately took over that the three electric locomotives in the depot in Bar have taken steps and we are expecting offers in order to enable the rolling stock," she pointed out and added that they respect procedures and public procurement, and that they monitor the repair work in Smederevo and Romania.
The representative of the ŽPCG union, Svetozar Stanović, explained that the breakdowns on the trains are of a minor nature and do not affect the safety of traffic and passengers, but that the rules are outdated, so the train must be turned off even when the tap stops on it.
Asked about the amendment of the rulebook, he clarified that he believes that it is already being worked on and that the process is in the process.
"Both you and we know that the trains are old, and the most important thing for us is now, we don't have any routes of 500 kilometers, except for the one going to Belgrade, and we control it as much as possible, but here sometimes it happens that we don't have enough rolling stock to cover the obligation to of public transport. Passengers get on the train and we can't tell them to get off, because of a fountain. That's not a reason to obstruct it, but it has to happen," he stressed.
Lukšić repeated that repairs are being made and are awaiting their end, while Stanović pointed out that even a year ago, the trains were running with minor defects, and that this has suddenly become a problem.
Lukšić said that at the moment they do not have data on how many workers were working in parallel both in ŽPCG and in private railway companies, and that she would not give precise information at the moment.
Round trip 450 euros
Lukšić stated that they have signed contracts and that the alternative transportation by buses stops at all stops where the train also departs, and departs at the same time when the regular departure of the train is planned.
She emphasized that the return transportation by bus from Nikšić to Podgorica costs about 450 euros, while one bus goes to Nikšić and two to Bar.
She also referred to the process of purchasing new trains, through a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) of 30 million euros, and added that they are in the phase of selecting consultants.
"The tender will be at the beginning of next year, and the procurement of trains, let's say preliminary, from two and a half to three years," Lukšić pointed out.
Asked about the potential layoffs for those who create obstructions, that is, whether if that happens, ŽPCG will have enough staff to cover the jobs, Lukšić stated that this staff is needed and that in that case they could use workers from other companies for help. and those from the region.
Lukšić reiterated that, together with the traffic department and the inspection, they will make a final decision about the ŽPCG workers who create obstructions. Regarding bankruptcy and receivership, she said that the state and the Ministry of Transport decide on that, and that they haven't discussed it yet.
When asked about the amount of her salary, Lukšić said that such a question was inappropriate.
"Until now, I haven't received my full salary, and that can be checked, I think it's an inappropriate question and I don't have to answer it. Whoever is interested can get that information," she stated.
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