A nationwide strike impacted Germany’s public transportation systems on Monday, initiated by the Verdi union calling for action from workers in local public transit. In Saarbrücken, employees demonstrated at midday on the Rathausplatz (city hall square).
No Offer Presented
According to police estimates, around 1,000 people participated in the Saarbrücken demonstration, exceeding Verdi’s expectation of 600. The protest route began at Saarbrücken Castle, proceeded over the Wilhelm-Heinrich Bridge, and concluded on Betzenstraße, causing minor traffic disruptions.
Verdi-Gewerkschaftssekretär Janosch Fegert stated to SR that the warning strike was necessary because the employer’s side had not yet presented any offer. Verdi is demanding a 10.6 percent wage increase and improved working conditions, including an increase in rest time between shifts to eleven hours.
Negotiations have been ongoing across all federal states since November, encompassing nearly 100,000 employees at 150 municipal transport companies and bus operators.
Strike Deemed “Unjustified” by Employers
The strikes drew criticism from the employer’s side. The Kommunale Arbeitgeberverband Saar (KAV Saar) stated the strikes were “completely incomprehensible and in no way justified.”
Further negotiation dates are scheduled. KAV Saar considers Verdi’s demands “neither financially viable nor realistic,” with KAV-Geschäftsführer Stefan Spaniol noting that municipal transport in Saarland already offers attractive compensation. He added that, given the strained financial situation of the municipalities and the economic situation in Saarland, such demands are not feasible.
Longer Contract Terms Sought
The KAV Saar maintains that working conditions in municipal public transport are above average. Unlike in previous years, open positions are now being filled, while many other industries are experiencing job cuts.
The next rounds of negotiations are scheduled for February 6th and early March. The employers aim to achieve longer terms for the collective bargaining agreements, stating this will provide planning security and reduce the effort required for recurring negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the strike?
The strike was prompted by the lack of an offer from the employer’s side during ongoing negotiations, according to Verdi-Gewerkschaftssekretär Janosch Fegert.
What are Verdi’s key demands?
Verdi is demanding a 10.6 percent wage increase and improved working conditions, specifically an eleven-hour rest period between shifts.
What is the employer’s response to the strike?
The Kommunale Arbeitgeberverband Saar (KAV Saar) has stated that the strikes are “completely incomprehensible and in no way justified,” and that Verdi’s demands are “neither financially viable nor realistic.”
If negotiations fail to yield a compromise, further disruptions to public transportation services could occur. It is also possible that the parties may agree to mediation, or that the negotiations could extend for a considerable period.
