The German union Verdi is escalating its campaign for improved working conditions in public transportation with planned strikes across multiple states. Bus and train services are expected to be disrupted on Thursday in at least seven German states.
Strikes to Impact Several Regions
Verdi has called for warnings strikes in Bayern, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, and the Saarland. Decisions regarding strikes in Bremen and Hessen are still pending and expected Monday and Wednesday, respectively. North Rhine-Westphalia will experience disruptions as early as Tuesday, in addition to the planned Thursday strike, with administrative and customer service staff also scheduled to walk off the job Monday. Sachsen will also see disruptions to local transport on Monday.
This round of coordinated labor action marks the third in ongoing negotiations, with Verdi pursuing talks simultaneously in all German states. The union states that, despite some progress, negotiations remain in early stages in many regions.
Focus on Working Conditions
While pay is a factor in some states – including Bayern, Brandenburg, the Saarland, Thüringen, and Hamburg – the core of the dispute centers on improvements to working conditions as outlined in “Manteltarifverträge,” which govern issues like working hours, breaks, and time off. Verdi Vice Chair Christine Behle stated, “We cannot afford hesitation at the negotiating table; solutions are urgently needed.”
Niedersachsen is currently exempt from the strikes due to a no-strike agreement in place until the end of March.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the strikes take place?
Strikes are planned for Thursday in Bayern, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, and the Saarland. Hessen and Bremen are pending decisions. NRW and Sachsen will also experience strikes on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
What is Verdi seeking in these negotiations?
Verdi is seeking improvements to working conditions, as well as higher wages in some states, through revisions to the “Manteltarifverträge.”
Which states are not affected by the strikes?
Niedersachsen is currently exempt due to a no-strike agreement. Decisions are still pending for Bremen and Hessen.
As negotiations continue, will Verdi expand or modify its strike actions to achieve its goals?
