On Monday, municipal public transportation came to a near-complete halt across Germany. The ver.di union organized a nationwide warning strike involving approximately 100,000 employees of approximately 150 municipal transport companies and bus companies.
Buses, trams, and U-Bahn (subway) services are suspended in most regions of the country. Transportation is completely paralyzed in Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Dresden, Nuremberg, and many other major cities. The restrictions have been in effect since early morning (approximately 3:00–3:30 AM) and are expected to last into the night or into Tuesday morning.
Deutsche Bahn intercity trains (including ICE, IC, regional trains, and, in most cases, S-Bahn) continue to operate without significant restrictions, as the national operator’s rail workers are not participating in the strike.
The ver.di union is demanding significant improvements in working conditions during the current round of collective bargaining. Key demands include:
a shorter workweek and shorter shifts;
increased rest time between shifts;
increased bonuses for night and weekend work;
in some federal states, also higher wages.
According to ver.di Deputy Chairperson Kristina Bele, public transport employees are under extreme strain due to inconvenient schedules, constant stress, and staff shortages. The union believes employers are refusing to compromise and are even trying to worsen existing conditions.
The strike is expected to send a strong signal to employers ahead of the next round of negotiations scheduled for the coming days. Ver.di has already warned that it is prepared for a further escalation of the conflict if a compromise is not reached.