Passengers in seven German cities should brace for major disruptions Monday as the ver.di union initiates an all-day warning strike, impacting local buses and trains. The work stoppage, announced by the ver.di regional district, follows similar actions nationwide and aims to pressure employers during ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
Hundreds of Thousands Face Public Transport Chaos
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A widespread strike is set to paralyze public transportation in key Baden-Württemberg cities.
In Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, Esslingen, and Konstanz, most buses and trains are expected to remain grounded. While it remains unclear if any lines will operate with limited service or replacement schedules, ver.di anticipates hundreds of thousands of commuters will be affected by the disruption.
Negotiations for new collective agreements covering local public transport are slated to occur across all German states this spring. Approximately 6,700 employees in Baden-Württemberg are represented by ver.di in talks with the regional municipal employers’ association (KAV).
ver.di Pushes for Increased Allowances
The current dispute isn’t about base salaries, but rather the conditions under which employees work. ver.di is demanding higher surcharges for overtime, nighttime shifts, and weekend work, as well as allowances tied to individual pay levels. The union argues that employers currently incentivize overtime because it’s cheaper than hiring additional staff, leading to increased workloads for existing employees.
Jan Bleckert, a ver.di negotiator, acknowledged the financial challenges faced by municipalities but firmly stated, “We do not accept that the municipal employers want to blackmail employees with the constant threat of service cuts and price increases for passengers.”
Employers Cite Financial Constraints
Employers have rejected ver.di’s demands, citing a “catastrophic financial situation” stemming from declining revenues, rising costs, and, in some cases, unapproved budgets. They maintain that securing the current level of service is already a struggle and that additional expenses from increased allowances are simply unaffordable.
The employers’ association pointed to collective bargaining improvements already implemented, noting that wages including surcharges have increased by over 20 percent since 2023, with further increases already agreed upon. Further negotiations are scheduled for February 9th, following the expiration of the peace obligation on January 1st.
- A one-day warning strike will disrupt public transport in seven cities in Baden-Württemberg on Monday.
- The ver.di union is seeking higher allowances for overtime, night work, and weekend shifts.
- Employers argue they cannot afford the increased costs due to existing financial difficulties.
- Negotiations are ongoing, with the next round scheduled for February 9th.
