Munich, Bavaria – Public transport users in Bavaria are once again facing considerable disruptions. The Verdi trade union has announced full-day warning strikes for several cities in the Free State, with Augsburg already affected, and Nuremberg and Landshut following on Wednesday. These actions are a result of a stalled collective bargaining dispute concerning improved pay and reduced working hours for approximately 9,000 public transport employees across more than 20 companies.
Strikes in Bavaria: Buses and Trams at a Standstill
The industrial action commenced in Augsburg, where no municipal vehicles operated for 24 hours. “Public transport (ÖPNV) has come to a standstill,” stated Verdi union secretary Michael Meier regarding the strike in Augsburg. However, private bus companies, regional trains, and S-Bahn services were exempt from the industrial action.
On Wednesday, the strike expanded to Nuremberg and Landshut. In Nuremberg, U-Bahn and tram services are scheduled to be suspended from 5:00 AM until the end of operations on Thursday night. This is particularly impactful as the Nuremberg Folk Festival has been running since Saturday. Nevertheless, the Nuremberg Transport Company (VAG) announced an emergency timetable with buses operating on night routes.
Nuremberg Folk Festival Accessible Despite Strike
Those wishing to reach the festival grounds at Dutzendteich can use the S-Bahn as an alternative. Additionally, the VAG plans to operate a shuttle bus every 15 minutes. The showmen’s association is also offering an alternative: visitors can travel from the main station to the folk festival square and back using the historic “Büssing Präfekt,” a red and white vintage bus, with five trips scheduled from 4:00 PM onwards.
In Landshut, the city’s bus network is affected on Wednesday, with expectations of no bus services running at all.
Munich Spared from Strikes – Due to S-Bahn Construction
In contrast, commuters in the state capital, Munich, have received good news. Unlike previous industrial actions, Verdi has refrained from paralyzing Munich’s public transport this time. The reason for this is the ongoing construction work on the S-Bahn main line, which is set to continue until April 13. Numerous S-Bahn lines are currently terminating prematurely, forcing many passengers to rely on buses, trams, and U-Bahn services. Without these alternatives, the city center would be largely inaccessible for many people.
Verdi Increases Pressure Ahead of Fifth Round of Negotiations
With these warning strikes, Verdi’s Bavarian regional branch aims to increase pressure ahead of the fifth round of negotiations on April 15. Significant improvements for employees have already been agreed upon in other federal states, including upper limits on shift lengths and minimum rest periods. “What is feasible in other federal states must also be implementable in Bavaria. The health of employees is not a ‘nice-to-have’ but is fundamental for the future viability of public transport,” said sector coordinator Katharina Wagner.
Further industrial actions in smaller Bavarian cities could follow by the end of the week, leading up to April 15. However, these actions would be announced in good time to allow commuters and travelers to prepare, explained Sinan Öztürk, deputy regional head of Verdi Bavaria.
Employers and Union Still Far Apart
Verdi is demanding substantial wage increases for employees. The union initially sought around 670 euros more per month over a one-year term. They have since made concessions to employers, now demanding 550 euros in two stages over a 24-month term. Furthermore, Verdi is pushing for a reduction in weekly working hours and collective bargaining standards already in place in other federal states, including limited shift lengths and improved rest periods.
After the most recent round of negotiations, the employer side presented an increased offer: over a 24-month term, more than 6 percent wage increase was offered, and over 48 months, approximately 9 percent plus a reduction in working hours by one hour. (Source: dpa), (fhz)
