A nationwide strike is planned for Monday affecting public transportation. The Verdi union has called on employees in local public transport to participate.
According to the union, public transport in affected areas “will come to a standstill.”
In Saarland, passengers should expect disruptions as early as Sunday evening at 10:00 PM. Verdi has warned of delays and cancellations in many parts of the state, particularly impacting commuters and students on Monday.
Saarbahn reports that all 40 bus lines will be canceled, including school buses. Using the Saarbahn as an alternative will also be impossible, as it too will be affected by the strike.
The private transport company Saar-Mobil, serving areas in the St. Wendel, Saarpfalz-Kreis districts, and the Saarbrücken area – including the X66 express bus line between Tholey and Saarbrücken – will not be affected. Lay Reisen will also continue operating normally.
Demonstrations Planned in Saarbrücken
Demonstrations are planned for Monday in Saarbrücken, with participation expected from employees in both Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate. A central rally is scheduled for 11:11 AM, with Verdi anticipating around 600 attendees.
Verdi-Gewerkschaftssekretär Janosch Fegert told SR that the union was forced to call the strike due to a lack of offers from employers. Verdi is demanding a 10.6 percent wage increase and improved working conditions, including increasing the rest period between shifts to eleven hours.
The Kommunale Arbeitgeberverband Saar (KAV Saar) has criticized the planned strikes, calling them “completely incomprehensible and unjustified at this time.”
KAV Saar states that further negotiation dates have been scheduled and deems Verdi’s demands “neither financially viable nor realistic.” KAV-Geschäftsführer Stefan Spaniol stated that municipal transport already offers attractive compensation and that the demands are not feasible given the financial constraints of the municipalities and the economic situation in Saarland. KAV Saar represents 183 members with over 32,000 employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the strike?
The strike is a result of stalled wage negotiations between Verdi and employers. Verdi is seeking a 10.6 percent wage increase and improved working conditions, but states that employers have not yet made an offer.
Which transport services will be affected?
The strike will affect the Saarbahn GmbH, Saarbahn Netz GmbH, Neunkircher Verkehrs GmbH, Fahrzeugservice Neunkirchen GmbH, Kreisverkehrsbetriebe Saarlouis GmbH KVS/KVG, Völklinger Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH VVB, and Verkehrsbetriebe Merzig-Wadern VMW.
Are there any transport options that will not be affected?
Saar-Mobil, serving areas in the St. Wendel, Saarpfalz-Kreis districts, and the Saarbrücken area, and Lay Reisen will not be affected by the strike.
How will these disruptions impact daily life for residents of Saarland?
