Local public transport in Germany was severely affected on Friday, February 27, at the start of a 48-hour national strike organized by the Verdi union. The strike affects buses, trams, and urban subway networks (U-Bahn) in most states, including cities such as Berlin and Hamburg.
According to the unions, approximately 150 local transport companies and around 100,000 employees are involved in the stalled collective bargaining negotiations.
Negotiations on wages and working conditions at a standstill
The strike is taking place in the context of annual negotiations on wages and working conditions in the public sector. Employee representatives are mainly demanding: Verdi Vice President Christine Behle said that the talks are not making significant progress and that employers do not seem to be aware of the long-term risks to the functioning of the public transport system.
- a reduction in weekly working hours,
- longer rest periods,
- higher bonuses for night and weekend work,
- wage increases (around 10% in some states).
This is the second national strike in German public transport in February, following a similar 24-hour action at the beginning of the month, which led to the complete suspension of services in over 100 companies.
Which services are affected
The union action exclusively targets local public transport: In contrast, national rail services—S-Bahn, regional trains, and long-distance trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (ICE, IC)—are scheduled to run normally, although authorities warn of possible indirect effects.
- city buses,
- trams,
- urban subway networks (U-Bahn).
In Berlin, the strike at local operator Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) began around 3:00 a.m.
Rail strike averted at Deutsche Bahn
Separate from the local transport dispute, the GDL train drivers’ union and Deutsche Bahn have reached a new collective agreement, thus avoiding a possible long-distance train strike.
Among other things, the GDL had demanded: The details of the compromise have not yet been made public, but the agreement eliminates, at least for the time being, the risk of major disruptions to the national rail network.
- wage increases of up to 8%,
- increases in bonuses,
- improved conditions for training staff,
- additional pension benefits.
A tense social climate
The transport strikes are part of a broader wave of union action in the German public sector, which has affected universities, schools, and administrative institutions in recent months amid inflation and staff shortages.
For millions of passengers, the two days of local transport strikes are causing significant disruption, at a time when the reliability of German rail services is already under pressure.
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