A nationwide strike impacting critical transportation infrastructure began today, causing widespread disruptions for drivers across Germany. The walkout, initiated by the Verdi union, affects central control hubs and tunnels on autobahns, federal highways, and state roads, leading to closures and significant delays.
Northern Germany Heavily Impacted
The northern region is experiencing a particularly acute impact. In Hamburg, Verdi began a 24-hour strike Monday evening at 6 p.m., targeting autobahn maintenance facilities in Stillhorn and Othmarschen, the North Traffic Control Center, and the Elbe Tunnel Competence Center. While two of the three lanes in each direction of the Elbe Tunnel remain open due to emergency agreements, the Autobahn 7 towards Flensburg and Hannover is expected to see substantial congestion. The strike also extends to public services in Hamburg, causing disruptions at offices and the port, potentially leading to backups on the Köhlbrand Bridge.
Disruptions Reported in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia
In Lower Saxony, authorities are advising drivers to exercise “extra caution and consideration” due to potential delays in winter road maintenance. A swing bridge on the B 436 in Leer will be raised between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., allowing passage only for emergency vehicles. Additionally, the Stade swing bridge, the Weser Tunnel in Wesermarsch County, the Bovenden Tunnel, and the Butterberg Tunnel (both in Göttingen County) are all closed.
Further west, in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Verdi is striking the traffic and tunnel control center in Leverkusen, which oversees 13 tunnels exceeding 400 meters in length. Several tunnels are closed, including the Oberdollendorf Tunnel (Königswinter), the B42 Tunnel Oberkassel in Bonn (northbound), the Weserauentunnel in Porta Westfalica, the Kiesbergtunnel in Wuppertal, the Emmerauentunnel in Lügde, and the Hestenbergtunnel in Plettenberg.
Verdi is demanding a 7 percent monthly salary increase – a minimum of 300 euros – for all employees, as well as a 300 euro monthly increase for junior staff. Further negotiations are scheduled for February 6th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the strike?
The strike is due to stalled negotiations between Verdi and employers regarding salary increases for approximately 14,000 employees of the Autobahn GmbH des Bundes and thousands of workers at state road maintenance operations.
Which regions are most affected?
Northern Germany, particularly Hamburg and Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia are experiencing the most significant disruptions due to tunnel closures and traffic control center strikes.
When are further negotiations scheduled?
The next round of negotiations between Verdi and employers is scheduled for February 6th.
As the strike continues, how will you adjust your travel plans to account for potential delays and closures?
