Across almost all of Germany, a warning strike called by the union Verdi began early on Friday morning in public transport. The action involves roughly 150 transport companies and bus operators, together employing around 100,000 people.
Because of the strike, many municipal local‑transport operators will see no buses or trains running all day Friday. In several tariff zones the action has been extended to Saturday. In Lower Saxony – which remains subject to a peace obligation until the end of March – no work stoppage takes place.
Verdi is currently negotiating the collective agreement for employees of municipal transport companies. The focus is on improving working conditions, including reductions in weekly working hours, easing of shift duties, and higher night‑time and weekend premiums.
In addition, negotiations in Bavaria, Brandenburg, Saarland, Thuringia and with Hamburger Hochbahn also cover higher wages and salaries. Verdi has said that progress has been minimal lately, even though some areas have already seen four rounds of talks.