The trade union ver.di has launched a new wave of warning strikes across Lower Saxony this week, targeting municipal public transport services. The industrial action began Tuesday in Göttingen and is now expanding to several other cities as the union seeks to increase pressure on employers.
In Hannover, employees of Üstra and Regiobus are striking on Wednesday and Thursday. City officials stated that no trams or buses will operate from the start to the end of service, a disruption that also impacts school transport.
Some limited services remain available in Hannover, as certain Regiobus trips are being operated by subcontractors who are not participating in the strike. S-Bahn and regional train lines are not affected, nor is the “Sprinti” on-demand service, although the city noted that “Sprinti” may face restrictions in some municipalities.
Expanding Disruptions Across the Region
The strike action is scheduled to spread further on Thursday and Friday. Workers in Braunschweig, Wolfsburg, Hildesheim, Delmenhorst, and Lüchow have been called to lay down their tools during these two days.
These latest walkouts follow previous disruptions, including strikes in Osnabrück last Friday and Saturday, as well as a two-day strike period at the end of April.
Stalemate Over Working Hours
The conflict stems from an ongoing collective bargaining dispute regarding municipal public transport. A fourth round of negotiations ended last Monday without an agreement, with ver.di claiming a lack of sufficient compromise from employers regarding the desire for reduced workloads.
Michael Bosse-Arbogast, Managing Director of the Municipal Employers’ Association of Lower Saxony, has sharply criticized the strikes. “Less work and more pay—that is not how our social market economy works,” Bosse-Arbogast stated.
The employers’ association remains firmly opposed to the demand for reduced weekly working hours. Bosse-Arbogast argued that reducing hours while maintaining wage compensation would lead to a reduction in the overall public transport offering, adding, “That is something we will not accept in the future.”
Potential Next Steps
With the fourth round of talks ending in failure, further industrial action may be likely if a compromise is not reached. The union has already signaled its intent to increase pressure, which could lead to more frequent or wider-reaching walkouts across the state.
A resolution may depend on whether the employers’ association adjusts its stance on weekly working hours or if ver.di modifies its demands to avoid a full-scale strike, which would require a formal vote by the members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities in Lower Saxony are affected by the current strikes?
The strikes involve Göttingen, Hannover, Braunschweig, Wolfsburg, Hildesheim, Delmenhorst, and Lüchow, with previous actions also occurring in Osnabrück.
What is the primary cause of the dispute?
The conflict centers on a collective bargaining dispute in municipal public transport, specifically regarding the union’s demand for a reduction in weekly working hours with wage compensation.
Is there a legal difference between a warning strike and a regular strike?
According to the Federal Labour Court (BAG), there is no legal distinction between the two, although the DGB notes different practical purposes and procedural requirements for regular strikes.
Do you believe reducing working hours is a necessary step to maintain public transport services, or should service availability take priority?
