Verdi Union Initiates Warning Strikes Across Bavaria
Public transport users in Bavaria are once again facing considerable disruptions. The Verdi trade union has announced full-day warning strikes in several cities across the Free State. Augsburg has already been affected, with Nuremberg and Landshut following on Wednesday. These actions are part of an ongoing wage dispute, demanding better pay and shorter working hours for approximately 9,000 public transport employees across more than 20 companies.
Buses and Trams at a Standstill in Affected Cities
The strike commenced in Augsburg, where no municipal public transport vehicles operated for 24 hours. “Public transport has come to a standstill,” stated Verdi union secretary Michael Meier regarding the industrial action in Augsburg. However, private bus companies, regional trains, and S-Bahn services were exempt from the strike.
On Wednesday, the strike extended to Nuremberg and Landshut. In Nuremberg, U-Bahn trains and trams are expected to cease operations from 5:00 AM until the end of service on Thursday morning. This is particularly critical as the Nuremberg Folk Festival has been underway since Saturday. Despite this, the Nuremberg Transport Company (VAG) has announced an emergency timetable for buses on night line routes.
Nuremberg Folk Festival Accessible Despite Strikes
Visitors wishing to reach the festival grounds at Dutzendteich can use the S-Bahn as an alternative. The VAG is also planning a shuttle bus service, operating every 15 minutes. Additionally, the showmen’s association is offering a unique alternative: a historic “Büssing Präfekt” oldtimer bus, in red and white, will transport visitors from the main train station to the folk festival grounds and back. Five trips are scheduled from 4:00 PM onwards.
In Landshut, the city’s bus network is affected on Wednesday, with expectations that no buses will be running.
Munich Spared from Strikes Due to S-Bahn Construction
Commuters in the state capital, Munich, have received good news: unlike previous industrial actions, Verdi has opted not to paralyze Munich’s public transport this time. The reason for this decision is the ongoing construction work on the S-Bahn main line, which is scheduled 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.
Verdi Intensifies Pressure Ahead of Fifth Round of Negotiations
With these warning strikes, the Verdi regional branch in Bavaria aims to increase pressure ahead of the fifth round of negotiations scheduled for April 15. Significant improvements for employees have already been agreed upon in other federal states, including 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 advance to allow commuters and travelers to prepare, explained Sinan Öztürk, deputy regional director of Verdi Bavaria.
Employer and Union Remain Far Apart
Verdi is demanding substantial salary increases for employees. Initially, the union had sought approximately 670 euros more per month over a one-year period. They have since made concessions to employers, now demanding 550 euros in two stages over a 24-month period. Additionally, Verdi insists on a reduction in weekly working hours and adherence to tariff standards already implemented in other federal states, including limited shift lengths and improved rest periods.
Following the latest round of negotiations, the employer side presented an increased offer: over a 24-month period, more than 6 percent wage increase was offered, and over 48 months, approximately 9 percent, plus a one-hour reduction in working hours.
