Hamburg’s public transportation system is bracing for disruption as the ver.di union has called for a 24-hour strike beginning at 3:00 AM on Thursday and ending at 3:00 AM on Friday. The strike involves bus and subway drivers at the Hamburger Hochbahn.
Streit um die Laufzeit des Tarifvertrags
At the heart of the dispute is the length of the new collective bargaining agreement. While the Hochbahn proposed a 36-month agreement on Monday, ver.di seeks a 12-month contract, citing “the volatile global situation.” According to ver.di member Thorsten Hukriede, “wars like in Ukraine or now in Iran are driving prices up.”
Hochbahn negotiator Saskia Heidenberger stated that revisiting negotiations in January 2027 would be unacceptable, potentially impacting customers with further strikes.
Angebote nähern sich langsam an
Both sides are slowly approaching an agreement on wages. The Hochbahn has offered increases of up to 8.1 percent per month, phased in over time. Ver.di initially requested a 7.5 percent increase over 12 months, but has since lowered its demand to a 3.4 percent increase (at least 150 euros) for the next 12 months. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for Monday, March 23.
Streiks auch in anderen Bundesländern
The strikes are not limited to Hamburg. Ver.di has called for strikes at transportation companies in Bavaria, Saarland, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia on Thursday, with potential strikes also possible in Hesse, and Bremen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the strike?
The strike begins on Thursday at 3:00 AM and ends on Friday at 3:00 AM, lasting for 24 hours.
Which transportation services will be affected in Hamburg?
U-Bahn lines will experience a complete shutdown. Bus services will attempt to maintain a limited schedule on key routes, but a full plan has not yet been released by the Hochbahn.
Are any transportation services unaffected by the strike?
S-Bahn trains, AKN trains, and harbor ferries, which are not operated by the Hochbahn, will continue to run as usual. Buses operated by Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein (VHH) are also currently unaffected.
As negotiations continue, commuters and residents should consider how potential disruptions to public transportation may impact their travel plans.
