Bus driver shortage persists in Latvia
### Bus Driver Shortage and Wages in Latvia
In Latvia, the wage for bus drivers varies between €1,100 and €1,900 before tax, with the most common offer being around €1,500. From August, drivers can expect a 10% pay rise, bringing the average wage up to approximately €1,650[1][2].
The shortage of bus drivers in Latvia persists, with several factors contributing to this issue. Seasonal factors, such as the vacation period, and recent events like the song festival in Riga have exacerbated the shortage[1]. During these events, some drivers have taken sick leave to work elsewhere, further depleting the workforce.
To address this issue, companies are implementing various strategies. They are offering to fully pay for driver training courses to attract new candidates[1]. Additionally, efforts are being made to encourage women to join the workforce, even if part-time[1]. Some job postings include benefits like accommodation for bus drivers, potentially attracting more candidates[3].
The State Employment Agency is also playing a role in this issue, organising meetings for employers and potential drivers and arranging training at the employer's request[4]. However, despite these efforts, the demand for chauffeur jobs in various fields in the country is currently almost twice as high as the supply[5].
The shortage of drivers has led to cancellations of services across Latvia. This month alone, a total of 150 services have been cancelled, with 740 cancellations this year[6]. The reason for the cancellations is a lack of drivers, as stated by the Road Transport Directorate[7].
Two companies, Nordeka and Liepāja Bus Park, have cancelled 20 and 30 buses respectively in the Pierīga region[8]. However, these cancellations represent only a few percent of the total number of drivers in the country.
Another concern for potential drivers is the working hours, which include very early mornings, very late evenings, weekends, and public holidays[9]. Dace Baumane, head of the State Employment Agency's Liepaja branch, stated that potential drivers are held back by concerns about the big responsibility and the pay not being adequate for the required responsibility[10].
Despite these challenges, companies are committed to finding solutions to the bus driver shortage in Latvia. With the promised pay rise and various training and recruitment strategies, it is hoped that more people will be encouraged to join the bus driving profession.
- The increased wage for bus drivers in Latvia, with the average expected to reach €1,650 after a 10% pay rise, is an attempt to address the ongoing shortage within the public-transit transportation industry.
- To attract new candidates, companies in the bus transportation business are offering to cover the costs of driver training courses and are also promoting part-time positions to encourage women to join the workforce.
- The European Union, through its State Employment Agency, is organizing meetings between employers and potential drivers and arranging training sessions depending on the employer's request.
- In the automotive business, the demand for chauffeur jobs in various fields across Latvia is currently about double the available supply, leading to numerous service cancellations.
- Concerns about working hours, which include very early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and public holidays, are deterring potential drivers from entering the profession, despite the ongoing bus driver shortage in Latvia.
