The union Verdi has called for renewed nationwide warning strikes, potentially disrupting public transportation across Hessen this Friday, and Saturday. U-Bahn, tram, and some bus services are expected to be affected.
According to Verdi official Jochen Koppel, the start of the strike is already considered a success, with employees backing the union’s demands. As of 9:50 AM on March 3, 2026, Verdi reports that public transport in Wiesbaden and Kassel is at a complete standstill, while Frankfurt’s U-Bahn and tram services are also halted. Impacts are expected to be less severe in Gießen, Marburg, and Offenbach.
Koppel indicated that another strike before the next round of negotiations on March 16th is “probably” unlikely, unless unforeseen developments occur in the ongoing labor dispute.
S-Bahn Disruptions
The warning strike is currently underway in Hessen, impacting approximately 5,200 employees across Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Gießen, Marburg, Offenbach, and Kassel. The extent of participation was initially unclear on Friday, February 27, 2026.
Passengers in affected cities should anticipate significant disruptions, though the impact is expected to be somewhat less pronounced in Marburg, Gießen, and Offenbach. Notably, employees in Offenbach are only striking on Friday.
Compounding travel difficulties, a signal failure on the S5 line in the Rhein-Main area is causing delays and partial cancellations.
Nationwide Action
The strikes, beginning on Thursday, February 26, 2026, are part of a broader effort by Verdi to pressure municipal employers. Similar actions are taking place nationwide, mirroring a previous nationwide strike on February 2nd.
Verdi’s primary focus in negotiations is improved working conditions, including reduced weekly working hours, more flexible shift schedules, and increased pay for night and weekend work. In several other German states – Bayern, Brandenburg, Saarland, Thüringen, and Hamburg – negotiations also include demands for higher wages and salaries.
Verdi deputy chair Christine Behle stated that negotiations have made “little progress” despite four rounds of talks, and that employers do not fully recognize the need for improved working conditions to maintain a functioning public transit system. Employers have also expressed frustration with the lack of clarity regarding Verdi’s key demands.
More than 100,000 employees have been called to participate in the strikes.
The following transportation companies in Hessen are specifically affected: Stadtwerke Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt am Main mbH (VGF), ESWE Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH Wiesbaden, Offenbacher Verkehrsbetriebe (OVB) – striking only on Friday, Kasseler Verkehrsgesellschaft AG, Marburger Verkehrsgesellschaft mbh (MVG), and Stadtwerke Gießen AG.
Bus services in Frankfurt, Marburg, Gießen, and Offenbach are expected to continue operating despite the strike.
The strikes are likely to disrupt commutes, particularly on Friday morning, and may impact weekend travel plans. The strikes generally begin early Friday morning and conclude in the night leading into Sunday, with specific times varying by company.
Deutsche Bahn services – including regional and long-distance trains, and S-Bahn lines – are not affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the strikes?
Verdi is seeking improved working conditions for public transit employees, specifically focusing on reduced working hours, more flexible shift schedules, and higher pay for night and weekend work.
Which cities in Hessen are most affected?
Wiesbaden and Kassel are experiencing a complete standstill of public transport, while Frankfurt’s U-Bahn and tram services are halted. Significant disruptions are also expected in Frankfurt, Gießen, Marburg, and Offenbach.
Will the S-Bahn be affected?
No, the S-Bahn is not directly affected by the Verdi strikes, but a separate signal failure on the S5 line is causing delays and partial cancellations.
Given the potential for widespread disruption, how might commuters best prepare for these transit challenges?