Train drivers in Slovakia are concerned about the planned introduction of a camera system to control their work. According to them, this measure will not eliminate systemic problems on the railway, but it may happen that some train drivers will not be willing to start the service. On Monday (12/8), the Federation of Train Drivers of the Slovak Republic sent an open letter to the Minister of Transport Jozef Ráž (Smer-SD nominee).
- Train drivers criticize the planned introduction of a camera system to monitor work.
- The Slovak Federation of Train Drivers sent an open letter to the Minister of Transport.
- According to critics, the cameras will increase the psychological burden and worsen the lack of employees.
- Train drivers have launched a petition for change and professional dialogue on safety.
- They consider the key problems to be outdated infrastructure and lack of technological equipment.
„We fundamentally reject the performance of our profession under the surveillance of a camera system. We believe that the introduction of this measure, approved by the Slovak government on December 3, 2025, it is disproportionate, financially costly, and will not fulfill a preventive function,” the train drivers said in the letter. According to them, camera surveillance will not eliminate the systemic problems of the railway infrastructure, but it will increase mistrust and the psychological burden of train drivers.
According to the Federation of Train Drivers of the Slovak Republic, the introduction of cameras as a solution would further weaken the dignity of the train driver profession and would exacerbate the existing problem with a lack of qualified employees. The cameras would also disrupt the working environment, which would result in a further outflow of experienced train drivers and a reduction in the attractiveness of this profession for new applicants. The federation perceives the introduction of cameras only for some carriers as discriminatory, which, according to it, creates a category of second-class train drivers.
At the same time, railway workers started a petition against the introduction of a camera system monitoring the work of the train driver. With its help, they want to express the negative opinion of train drivers throughout Slovakia, initiate an apolitical professional dialogue and direct investments into measures that will strengthen the real safety of the railways.
The train drivers warned that the cameras alone will not increase safety. According to them, the key problems are the outdated infrastructure, the absence of security equipment, the insufficient quality of radio communication and the technical condition of the vehicles. They suggest alternatives with real security benefits in particular, the consistent deployment of ETCS, the addition of signs in risky sections, the improvement of the technical condition of vehicles and the strengthening of professional training.
“We are convinced that there are more effective and reliable ways to increase the safety of rail transport. Inspection through cameras is an unreasonable intervention that does not solve the systemic causes of problems – underfunding of infrastructure, outdated technologies and unsatisfactory working conditions” said in an open letter the president of the Federation of Train Drivers of the SR Ľubomír Kontúr.
