The wage dispute in Germany’s local public transport sector is escalating. The ver.di union plans a nationwide warning strike to increase pressure on municipal employers. This is expected to cause significant disruptions to daily life for passengers in numerous cities.
Nationwide warning strike paralyzes local public transport
The ver.di union has called on public transport workers to stage a 48-hour warning strike. From Friday morning, February 27, until early Sunday morning, buses, trams, and subways are expected to remain in their depots across large parts of Germany.
Among the affected areas are Berlin and numerous cities in Bavaria, including Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Regensburg, Ingolstadt, and Würzburg. Passengers in Hesse, including those in Frankfurt am Main, Wiesbaden, Kassel, Offenbach, and Gießen, should also expect disruptions.
According to the union, the industrial action affects a total of around 100,000 employees in approximately 150 municipal transport companies.
The background is stalled wage negotiations.
The warning strike was triggered by the ongoing wage negotiations between ver.di and the municipal employers‘ associations regarding new collective bargaining agreements. The union is primarily demanding improved working conditions to relieve the burden on employees and make the profession more attractive in the long term.
Key demands include:
- shorter weekly working hours,
- Relief for shift workers,
- Higher bonuses for night and weekend work.
In some federal states, including Bavaria, Brandenburg, Saarland and Thuringia, as well as in Hamburg’s public transport sector, the issue also concerns higher wages and salaries.
Union sees need for action
Christine Behle, deputy chairwoman of the ver.di union, criticized the progress of the talks so far. „The negotiations are making hardly any progress overall,“ she stated. This is disappointing and jeopardizes the future of public transport.
Without noticeable improvements in working conditions, a reliable service cannot be guaranteed in the long term, Behle stated. The workload for drivers is high and further exacerbates the existing staff shortage.
The warning strike is intended to send a clear signal to employers that the employees are determined to stand up for their demands.
A nationwide warning strike on February 2nd had already brought local public transport to a virtual standstill for 24 hours at more than 100 companies. The union expects significant repercussions again this time.
The impact varies depending on the federal state.
The consequences of the warning strike will vary regionally. In Lower Saxony, work stoppages are currently prohibited due to a still-valid obligation to maintain industrial peace.
In Hamburg, the participation of the Hochbahn (Hamburg’s public transport operator) is currently undecided. Wage negotiations are ongoing there, and a decision is expected shortly. In Baden-Württemberg, a decision on whether transport companies will join the warning strike will also be made later this week.
In Hamburg, the spring break also begins at the same time, which could reduce the impact on school transport.
Commuters should expect restrictions.
The warning strike is likely to have noticeable consequences for millions of commuters. Especially in large cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich, public transport is indispensable for the daily commute.
Passengers should find out about alternative connections in advance. Regional and S-Bahn trains could be an alternative in some cases, provided they are not affected by the strike.
Conclusion
The announced warning strike demonstrates the tense situation in public transport. While the union is pushing for better working conditions and higher wages, employers are under increasing pressure. Whether the industrial action will break the deadlock in negotiations remains to be seen. For passengers, this initially means further uncertainty regarding public transport.
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