Passengers across much of Rheinland-Pfalz should prepare for disruptions and cancellations in public transportation, particularly on Monday, February 2nd. The work stoppage will begin Sunday evening, with ver.di calling on employees in Rheinland-Pfalz to begin striking at 10:00 PM on Sunday, January 2nd, and lasting until the end of the last shift on Monday, February 2nd.
Significant Disruptions Expected in Regional Transportation
The strike impacts all operations and locations of KRN Kommunalverkehr Rhein-Nahe GmbH and Mainzer Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH. In Pirmasens, all inner-city bus services operated by Stadtwerke Pirmasens Verkehrs-GmbH will be suspended, though bus services in the surrounding areas are not affected. In Kaiserslautern, lines operated by SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern Verkehrs-AG will be impacted, with only DB-Regio lines continuing to run and the mobility center remaining closed. Employees of SWT AöR Trier are also participating in the strike.
Mainzer Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG) has announced plans to offer a limited service on Monday, operating on select lines with a 30-minute frequency and no fixed schedules. These lines include 50, 51, 66, 68, 69, 79, 80, 90, 91, 92, and 93. More information is available on the Mainzer Mobilität website.
Kommunalverkehr Rhein-Nahe (KRN) intends to offer an adjusted schedule through subcontractors, prioritizing school transportation. However, disruptions are still expected in the districts of Bad Kreuznach and Mainz-Bingen, particularly during evening hours. Further details can be found on the RNN website.
In Trier, SWT anticipates “significant restrictions” to bus service, with lines 17, 30, 31, 32, and 54 (to Lebenshilfe Trier) and Smart-Shuttles expected to remain operational. The city bus center will also be closed. More information is available on the SWT website.
SWK in Kaiserslautern reports that its buses will remain “in the depot all day,” resulting in the cancellation of all SWK lines, and the closure of the mobility center in Fruchthallstraße. Stadtwerke Pirmasens will also completely suspend bus service, including on-demand taxi connections, and notes that connections to and from schools will be unavailable for commuters from surrounding areas. However, regional buses operating in the areas surrounding Pirmasens and Kaiserslautern will continue to run.
Potential Impact on Commute and School Travel
The work stoppage has the potential to disrupt travel across the state, including for commuters and students. ver.di has informed the state parents’ representative about the expected impacts.
On Monday, employees are scheduled to participate in demonstrations in Saarbrücken, beginning at 10:00 AM, culminating in a rally at the Rathausplatz at 11:11 AM.
Strike Aims to Increase Pressure Ahead of Next Round of Negotiations
The strike stems from unsuccessful negotiations between ver.di and the Kommunalen Arbeitgeberverband Rheinland-Pfalz (KAV RP). With employers reportedly unwilling to compromise, ver.di is seeking to increase pressure through this labor action.
Key demands center on improvements to working conditions, including higher allowances and enhanced vacation pay. ver.di negotiator Marko Bärschneider stated, “Whoever sits on the vehicle or is responsible for it must be fully paid.” Employees are also seeking reduced working hours and opportunities for advancement to pay grade EG 6.
The third round of negotiations is scheduled for February 4th, 2026, with ver.di anticipating a negotiable offer from employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are most affected by the strike?
The strike impacts public transportation across much of Rheinland-Pfalz, specifically affecting services operated by KRN Kommunalverkehr Rhein-Nahe GmbH, Mainzer Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH, SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern Verkehrs-AG, SWT AöR Trier, and Stadtwerke Pirmasens Verkehrs-GmbH.
Will any public transportation services still be running?
Limited services are expected in some areas. MVG in Mainz plans a reduced schedule on select lines, while SWT in Trier will operate a few lines and Smart-Shuttles. Regional bus lines in the areas surrounding Pirmasens and Kaiserslautern will continue to run.
What is the reason for the strike?
The strike is a result of unsuccessful negotiations between ver.di and the Kommunalen Arbeitgeberverband Rheinland-Pfalz (KAV RP) regarding improvements to working conditions, including higher pay, allowances, and reduced working hours.
As negotiations continue, commuters and travelers should consider alternative transportation options and allow for extra travel time.
