Munich, February 3 – Public transport in Munich faced significant disruptions yesterday as the Verdi union initiated a warning strike across the city’s tram, U-Bahn, and bus networks. Among the striking workers was Michael Baumann, a 42-year-old tram driver who has been with the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG) for six and a half years. Baumann, who joined the picket line in Fröttmaning at 3:30 AM on Monday, stated that while he would prefer to be driving, participation in the strike was a clear choice for him.
Verdi Strike: Demands for Better Pay and Working Conditions
The strike, which began on Monday, February 2, 2026, and is scheduled to last until 3:30 AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, involves employees of the MVG. Verdi is demanding a pay increase of 668.75 Euros, a figure Baumann explains is intended to align wages with those in Baden-Württemberg. Beyond salary, the union is pushing for a reduction in the working week to 35 hours with full pay compensation and a mandatory rest period of at least eleven hours between shifts.
Baumann, who works in shifts, strongly supports these demands. “This is also about safety; we want to do our job well,” he emphasized. He highlighted the increasing traffic and the demanding nature of the work, stressing that these conditions are not only about the well-being of the drivers but also directly impact passenger safety.
Impact on Munich’s Public Transport
During the strike, U-Bahn and trams, as well as buses with line numbers up to 199, are affected. The U-Bahn service is completely suspended, and tram services are dependent on staff availability. The MVG has advised commuters to use alternative transportation, form carpools, or work from home. While private bus companies operating for MVG are not on strike, a significantly reduced and irregular bus service is expected. Importantly, S-Bahn, regional trains, and MVV regional buses are not affected by the industrial action.
The MVG’s website and the MVGO app provide real-time updates on service disruptions, indicating which connections are running with color-coded timings: green for on-time, red for delayed, and black for no service.
High Turnover and the Call for Stability
As a training instructor, Baumann has witnessed a high turnover rate among new recruits. “After a year, only half of them are still there,” he noted, attributing many departures to the difficulty of balancing family life with demanding work schedules. This observation reinforces his belief that improved working conditions are essential not just for employees but also for passengers. “Trains are canceled because there aren’t enough drivers, and even the workshops are understaffed,” Baumann revealed, underscoring his desire for conditions that encourage staff retention.
Despite the challenges, Baumann finds immense satisfaction in his profession. “My job makes me happy,” said the Obermenzing resident, who sees his work as a childhood dream fulfilled. “I experience how the city wakes up in the morning and goes to sleep in the evening,” he shared, adding that he also observes the city’s transformation over time.
Passenger Understanding and Future Outlook
Baumann expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers but hoped for their understanding. “I can only hope that we quickly reach a good solution with the employers,” he stated. He believes many commuters will understand the reasons behind the strike, recognizing that the action is ultimately aimed at ensuring a more reliable and safer public transport system in the long run.
The strike also affects the MVG’s lost and found office and customer centers, which may experience disruptions.
Source: merkur.de
