Wage watchers: how much does a train driver earn?

Train driver Dries Verhauwaert, 32, from Heule, West Flanders talks about what he earns and how he spends it

What do you do for a living?

I have been a train driver since October 2009. I carry out security checks and maintenance work on the trains, then of course I drive on several routes. I depart from the Kortrijk depot on a daily basis and drive mainly intercity and commuter trains to Poperinge , Ostend , Brussels and Antwerp.

Do you enjoy your work?

Very much so - even though it was, unlike for some colleagues, not a childhood dream. Previously I had an office job , but it bored me very quickly. I saw the vacancy for a train driver and, after consulting my wife, grabbed the opportunity with both hands. After one year’s training I was ready. So far I haven’t had any regrets over the career switch . My job requires a lot of professionalism and responsibility , and that suits me just fine.

How many hours do you work per week?

I have a 36-hours-a-week contract but I work 38 hours. That gives me an extra 24 days’ holiday plus another 13 days credit. The changing hours don’t bother me: sometimes I will start at 3am, sometimes I will finish a night shift at 1am last night. Obviously we get bonuses when we work at such hours. We get paid extra for weekend work as well; I work on an average two weekends per month.

Are you happy with what you earn?

Yes. I think my basic salary (about €1,700 a month) is average, but the many perks (meal ticket, hospital insurance, free train travel for the whole family) make it more appealing. Then there are the weekend and night bonuses and productivity bonuses. Each driver is required to retake practical exams every three years to demonstrate their driving skills and retain their licence. The higher you score, the higher your productivity bonus.

What does the biggest chunk of your salary go toward?

Our mortgage. After that, the it’s the usual expenses : food, energy bills and the like. We try to put some money aside every month. I don’t have any expensive hobbies. I am an avid cyclist , but I don’t need new gear every month.

How do you deal with the crisis?

Because my public-sector job is guaranteed, I have slightly more job security than people who work in the private sector. My wife is a nurse and she does not feel the crisis really .

What could you never pay good money for?

Designer clothing. I'd rather buy three sweaters than one bearing the logo of an expensive brand .

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Although I've never been to Ireland or Scotland, I feel it would be wonderful to live there. I would immediately open a bed & breakfast.

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