Leipzig – A new round of strikes has begun, and once again buses and trains are standing still in several Saxon cities. It is notable that only employees of the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) are laying down their work for several days.
Dispute Intensifies: Leipzig Public Transit at a Standstill Until Monday Morning
Negotiations between striking employees and transit authorities in Leipzig appear to have stalled. A strike extension is now a real possibility.
Even as in the conflict between the union and employers, cities like Dresden, Chemnitz, Zwickau, and Plauen are largely suspending local transport only on Friday, Leipzig’s ver.di members have now escalated the situation.
“The strike at the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe has been extended to Sunday – this was decided by the employees at today’s strike meetings,” the union announced late Friday afternoon. According to the transit authorities, this will likely result in significant disruptions until Monday at 6 a.m.
“We are experiencing the greatest resistance to our demands coming from Leipzig, and accordingly, the pressure is also going there,” explained ver.di regional director and negotiator Paul Schmidt earlier Friday morning.
According to Schmidt, the Leipzig management has recently done little to avoid harassing those participating in the strike, including issuing a ban on entering company yards, workshops, and facilities. Union officials and employees not currently on duty are thus prohibited from entering these properties.
However, the LVB argues that these are safety-critical areas requiring appropriate training and cautious behavior due to the presence of heavy machinery.
“Where Will the Money Approach From?”
The LVB stated that the main issue is financial: “Where will the money come from for what is now being demanded?” according to Marc Backhaus. To cover these additional costs, a plan is needed, and funds would have to be saved elsewhere, potentially impacting the hiring of new employees. No talk of layoffs has occurred.
The union’s goal is to reach an agreement in the next round of negotiations on March 9th. This is reportedly the only point on which both the LVB and the union currently agree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of public transport in Leipzig?
Public transport in Leipzig is significantly disrupted. The strike, initially planned to end Saturday, has been extended to Sunday, with full service not expected to resume until Monday at 6 a.m.
What are the main points of contention in the negotiations?
The main points of contention are the union’s demands and the LVB’s concerns about funding those demands. The union also alleges harassment of striking employees by the LVB.
When is the next round of negotiations scheduled?
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for March 9th.
As Leipzig faces continued disruption to its public transport network, what impact will this prolonged strike have on commuters and the city’s daily life?
