The Slovak Railway Company (ZSSK) has presented an ambitious modernization plan that is to transform train travel in Slovakia. He promises that modern trains and quality services await us. It also tries to attract new employees through attractive benefits.
Slovakia is gradually changing into a country where traveling by train is not only comfortable, but also fast, safe and ecological. Thanks to investments in the modernization of railway infrastructure and the introduction of new train sets for regional and long-distance transport, Slovak railways are becoming an attractive alternative to individual car transport. “We will consistently phase out obsolete vehicles and unify the vehicle fleet, which will allow us to manage maintenance and repairs more efficiently,” said board member Karol Henzély.
The planned investments include, for example:
- Rental of modern locomotives: the company plans to lease 15 multi-system locomotives of the Vectron type with a total value of approximately 130 million euros.
- Unified security system: a modern ETCS system will be installed in the electric units of the Panter type, which will require an investment of approximately 15 million euros.
- Maintenance center in Košice: construction of a technical-hygienic maintenance center in Košice worth 180 million euros.
- Maintenance center in Žilina: another technical-hygienic maintenance center worth approximately 65 million euros will be established in Žilina.
- Purchase of spare parts: the national carrier invests in the purchase of spare parts in order to reduce the repair debt.
More comfort and convenience
ZSSK emphasizes the continuous improvement of passenger services. The new fleet, equipped with modern technologies, will bring greater comfort and safety. Thanks to modern trains and optimized routes, passengers can look forward to faster and more reliable connections, WiFi connection upgrades to the new standards of 5G networks and WiFi 6 to speed up and improve the quality of the data services provided.
“Passengers expect modern and quality services,” emphasizes the vice-chairman of the board of directors, Martin Bahurinský. With the new mobile application, passengers will be able to buy tickets more easily and get up-to-date travel information. In addition, we expect greater cleanliness in trains and the introduction of a system of real warnings about road closures and other traffic restrictions.
What kind of modern train would it be if we couldn’t have refreshments in it? Many will be pleased with the new pilot project, in which snack machines are installed in trains on the route Nová Baňa – Banská Bystrica. You can pay in cash or by credit card. The aim of this project is to find out whether passengers are interested in such a form of refreshments on trains. You can express your opinion using the QR codes located on the machines.
ZSSK The project is part of the ZSSK Strategy, the aim of which is to improve services for customers
Stable employment
To implement these ambitious plans, ZSSK needs new, talented and reliable people. “We want to have satisfied and engaged people,” says CEO Peter
Helex. Since July of this year, they have introduced a stabilization allowance, they are modernizing the working environment and regularly investing in high-quality work aids.
The company also tries to support the career growth of its employees. They focus on lifelong learning and individual development of each employee, which includes mandatory and optional training, individual coaching and succession planning. “Our goal is to retain quality employees and support their personal and professional development,” adds Helexa.
The national carrier launched a campaign “We keep Slovakia moving”whose goal is to attract new workers, but also to raise awareness of the importance of railway professions and present ZSSK as a modern and attractive employer.
“We need to strengthen our team, especially with train drivers, train conductors, electromechanics, mechanics and locksmiths, where we feel a long-term shortage. These professions are key to the safe and smooth operation of trains, which is essential for the reliable functioning of passenger rail transport in Slovakia,” stated Helexa. As the Best Employer of the Year 2023 in the Transport and Logistics category, they guarantee that their employees are a priority for them and that ZSSK has a key role in keeping Slovakia moving.
What positions are they looking for:
Average salary of a train driver
The average salary of a train driver with experience in independent performance is more than 2,280 euros/gross (including bonuses, bonuses and overtime).
Suitable candidate
The candidate must pass psychological and health examinations, be at least 19 years old during the preparation (however, he will take the legal exam only when he turns 20, at which time he will also obtain a train driver’s license), at least a secondary vocational education with a teaching certificate regardless of the field of study, and be of good character.
Average salary of a train conductor
Average salary for the position of train conductor in independent performance: €1,700/gross (including allowances, bonuses, bonuses and compensations).
Suitable candidate
The candidate must pass psychological and health examinations, be at least 18 years old, complete high school education with a high school diploma. He must not be punished or be prosecuted for property offenses and crimes, he must be blameless.
Average salary of a mechanic
The average salary of a mechanic with experience and professional qualifications is €1,600/gross (including bonuses, bonuses, overtime).
Suitable candidate
The candidate must have secondary vocational education (without high school diploma) or complete secondary education with high school diploma, the ability to read technical documentation and be manually skilled, independent and physically fit.
Average salary of an electromechanic
The average salary of an electromechanic with experience and professional qualifications is 1,699 euros/gross (including bonuses, bonuses, overtime).
Suitable candidate
The candidate must have completed secondary vocational education in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering or complete secondary education with a high school diploma. In addition, he must meet the conditions for performing activities on electrical equipment in accordance with the Decree on designated technical equipment and designated activities and activities on designated technical equipment (No. 205/2010 ff. § 24 – 26).
Average salary of a locksmith
The average salary of a locksmith with experience and professional qualifications is €1,560/gross (including bonuses, bonuses, overtime).
Suitable candidate
The candidate must have completed a complete secondary education with a high school diploma, or a secondary professional education in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering (without a high school diploma). A minimum of 3 years of experience in a related field, the ability to read technical documentation and manual dexterity, independence, reliability and medical fitness are required.
Benefits by job position:
- Surcharges beyond the scope Labor Code a overtime paid above standard (60% of the average hourly wage)
- Recruitment allowance up to €4,000
- Bonus 500 € for employee referral
- Employee travel benefits – overhead passes for the employee and family members (in Slovakia and abroad)
- Rewards at worklife anniversaries up to 500 €
- Allowance for accommodation up to €400/month (if the place of residence is at least 150 km away) in selected regions
- Social assistance
- MultiSport card
- Financial contributions (at the birth of a child, in difficult life situations, etc.)
- Contribution the employer for supplementary pension savings
- Provision of rehabilitation stays and allowance for workforce regeneration
- Other financial and non-financial benefits
Source: spravy.pravda.sk
