Berlin, Germany. Tens of thousands of public transport workers went on strike across Germany on Monday, leaving commuters facing empty platforms and disrupted bus and tram services in most cities. The walkout was called by trade union Verdi after labour talks with municipal and state employers stalled.
Strike scope and union demands
Verdi, which represents nearly 100,000 transport workers, called the strike after talks over working conditions broke down last week. The union is seeking shorter shifts, longer rest breaks and higher pay for night and weekend work as cities face budget constraints.
The strike affects about 150 municipal transport companies in all but one of Germany’s 16 federal states, including Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen.
Services halted and weather impacts
Union officials said services in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Freiburg would stop for the entire day. Temperatures fell below zero across much of the country, adding to difficulties for commuters looking for alternative transportation.
Rail operations and negotiations
Deutsche Bahn said on Friday that its urban S-Bahn trains in cities including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart, as well as long-distance services, would operate as normal on Monday because staff were not represented by Verdi.
Serat Canyurt, Verdi’s leading negotiator, told rbb radio on Monday that the strike began as planned and said public transport operators were now expected to return to the negotiating table. Talks have been tense, with union leaders accusing municipalities of seeking to cut benefits and lengthen shifts.
How has the strike affected your travel plans today?