Latest Data from Wagon LOSTR: 19% of Employees Laid Off

New data from the Czech company register reveal that Wagon LOSTR, fully owned by Rail Invest, controlled by Peter and Rudolf Šuška, experienced significant staff reductions in 2022 and 2023, with further, albeit smaller, downsizing continuing into 2024.

Last week, RAILTARGET reported on proceedings from the March meeting of the Railway Workers’ Trade Union (OSŽ), where representatives confirmed ongoing layoffs—even in skilled roles—and wage reductions to minimum wage levels at both Wagon LOSTR and TSS Hulín. These companies are both part of the Šuška brothers’ business portfolio. The same concerns were echoed by Renata Dousková, Chair of the Non-Track Division Committee, during the union's May meeting in Prague, noting the departure of qualified staff.

The Šuška brothers acquired the Louny-based wagon manufacturing plant in 2020 when it was already in poor economic condition. Despite management's public commitment to stabilising the business and protecting jobs—as previously reported by krajskelisty.cz—the promised turnaround never materialised. In fact, the company’s own 2022 annual report, published on justice.cz, shows that staff numbers fell by approximately 19%, dropping from 280 to 229 employees between 2022 and March 2023.

No Annual Report for 2023 Filed by Wagon LOSTR

Wagon LOSTR has failed to publish its 2023 annual report within the legally required timeframe, making it impossible to assess its current financial or staffing situation. When contacted by Railtarget.cz, the Labour Office in Louny provided partial confirmation of further job losses.

"Since 1 May 2024, the Labour Office has not received official figures on dismissals from Wagon LOSTR. However, a number of former employees have registered as jobseekers, having held positions aligned with the company's main business activities—machine locksmiths, production workers, warehouse operators, as well as support roles such as cleaners and administrative staff," stated Martina Bečvářová, Director of the Labour Office’s Regional Branch in Ústí nad Labem.

Clash with a Member of Parliament

Back in October 2020, the company drew political attention when MP Pavel Růžička of the ANO party publicly criticised its management on Facebook. "The story of the Louny wagon plant is heading in a troubling direction. The company that acquired it during market turbulence has no intention of continuing production, leading to the loss of skilled jobs—this is a serious blow to the region," he wrote.

Růžička pledged to do everything possible to restart operations and restore livelihoods. He also invited employees who felt mistreated to contact him directly. The company, however, responded by filing a criminal complaint, which was later dismissed by the police.

Broader Industry Challenges Amplify Local Collapse

The crisis at Wagon LOSTR and TSS Hulín reflects deeper issues in the European rail freight sector. Across the EU, freight volumes have been declining for several consecutive years. In 2024, transport of key commodities such as coal for power plants and timber fell further, in part due to the ongoing phase-out of coal mining and weakening demand.

This downward trend has had a direct and detrimental impact on the broader supply chain supporting rail freight—especially in the manufacturing and maintenance of freight wagons, placing firms like Wagon LOSTR under growing pressure. As the situation evolves, RAILTARGET will continue to monitor developments and provide exclusive updates on the implications for the Czech and European rail logistics sector.

Source: RAILTARGET