Swiss railways joins chorus of discontent with Adtranz

The Swiss Federal Railways have expressed concern at Adtranz's failure to meet a commitment to supply 24 new tilting trains. Eight of the trains should already have been delivered, but trials with the second unit have only just begun.

The Swiss Federal Railways have expressed concern at Adtranz’s failure to meet a commitment to supply 24 new tilting trains. Eight of the trains should already have been delivered, but trials with the second unit have only just begun.

In a television interview, Adtranz spokesman Werner Bohli blamed the delays on “unfortunate circumstances”, including problems with suppliers.

Meanwhile discontent is growing over the actions of the German rail technology firm Adtranz. At least 1500 employees from the firm’s plants at Pratteln and Oerlikon joined a demonstration against the company in Berne on Saturday, in protest at proposed job cuts (pictured).

Trade union and workers representatives, who organised the mass protest, criticised the apparent indecision of Adtranz’s head office in Berlin.

A spokesman said the parent group, DaimlerChrysler, was more interested in making the firm attractive to potential buyers than meeting its obligations to its employees. The unions called on the Adtranz board to seek alternatives to the proposed closure of the Pratteln plant and ending of production at Zurich-Oerlikon.

From staff and wire reports