09. September 2025, 11:58 o'Clock
Article: DB Cargo awards "Locomotive of Honour" inclusion prize - a strong signal for participation
With this award, DB Cargo recognises commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities within the company.
DB Cargo has awarded the "Ehrenlok" inclusion prize for the seventh time in Mainz. With this award, the company recognises projects that visibly promote equal opportunities and participation in everyday working life.
Around 55 guests from politics, business and society attended the award ceremony - including the Mayor of Mainz, Nino Haase, State Secretary Petra Dick-Walther and Verena Bentele, President of the VdK social association and multiple Paralympics champion. In their welcoming speeches, the guests emphasised the relevance of active inclusion for the competitiveness of companies. Verena Bentele in particular emphasised that participation can only succeed if it is an integral part of everyday working life.
Picture (from left to right): Kai Rappenecker (Head of Health Management), Peter Thiele (Deputy Representative for Severely Disabled Employees), Andreas Gems (Representative for Severely Disabled Employees), Manuela Püst (Head of Human Resources and Operations). Representative for disabled employees), Andreas Gems (Representative for disabled employees), Manuela Püst (Head of Human Resources and Operations), Christin Kropp (Inclusion Officer), Petra Dick-Walther (State Secretary MWVL), Nino Haase (Lord Mayor of Mainz), Angelika Sievers (Head of Work System Consulting), Steffen Eiser (Chairman of the Works Council), Eike Bunge (General Representative for the Disabled), Tanja Fuchs (Member of the Management Board for Freight Transport/CEO of DB Cargo), Verena Bentele (President of VdK), Sigrid Nikutta (Member of the Management Board for Freight Transport/CEO of DB Cargo).
DB Cargo CEO Sigrid Nikutta emphasised in her speech: "We are in challenging times, but we see every single person in the company - regardless of restrictions or background. Everyone makes an important contribution."
This year, a project was honoured that has created 14 new jobs and consistently focuses on inclusion. Three applicants with disabilities and one applicant with a chronic illness were hired - the selection was based solely on qualifications, without any reservations.
A special highlight was the honouring of Verena Bentele herself: She received the special "Ehrengüterwagen" award for her nationwide commitment to inclusion. Her voice in favour of accessibility and participation carries weight - in politics, society and business.
Picture (from left to right): Eike Bunge (Overall Disabled Persons' Representative), Verena Bentele (President VdK), Sigrid Nikutta (DB Member of the Management Board for Freight Transport/CEO DB Cargo).
Other employees were also honoured for their commitment. The event made it clear that diversity and inclusion are highly valued at DB Cargo - and are crucial to the company's viability for the future.
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