Public Transport in Munich Faces Further Disruptions as Verdi Announces Upcoming Strike
Munich, Bavaria, Germany – Commuters in Munich should prepare for further disruptions to public transport services as the Verdi trade union has announced an impending strike within the next two weeks. While specific dates remain undisclosed, the union confirmed that Munich’s MVG services will be affected before the next round of negotiations scheduled for March 9th.
Verdi’s Demands for Public Transport Employees
Verdi is advocating for significant improvements in working conditions and remuneration for approximately 9,000 public transport employees across Bavaria. Key demands include:
- A monthly salary increase of around 670 euros.
- A reduction in weekly working hours.
Haris Softić, a representative for Verdi, declined to provide exact dates for the upcoming strike when asked by tz, stating, “We will announce the strike two to three days beforehand. This is to make it as gentle as possible for the population.” Softić also indicated that the duration of the strike would be determined by necessity: “We will strike for as many days as necessary and as few as possible.”
Employer’s Stance and Potential Consequences
The Municipal Employers’ Association (Kommunaler Arbeitgeberverband) has criticized Verdi’s demands, deeming them unfeasible. They argue that the current strikes are unduly burdening the public and that meeting the union’s demands would inevitably lead to increased fares and a reduction in public transport services.
“The current strikes cannot change this. They therefore unfairly burden the population,” the association stated. They further warned that “cost increases due to higher wages would inevitably lead to higher fares and a reduction in transport services.”
Impact on Munich’s Public Transport Network
The MVG (Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft) operates Munich’s extensive public transport network, including U-Bahn (subway), buses, and trams. Previous strikes have led to widespread cancellations and significant inconvenience for daily commuters and visitors alike. The upcoming strike is expected to cause similar disruptions, affecting thousands of residents who rely on public transport for their daily commute.
Negotiations Continue Amidst Strike Threats
The announcement of further strike action comes as negotiations between Verdi and the Municipal Employers’ Association continue to be challenging. The next scheduled negotiation date is March 9th. Verdi’s strategy of announcing strikes with short notice aims to increase pressure on employers to meet their demands while minimizing the perceived impact on the public, though the reality for commuters remains disruptive.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Munich are advised to stay informed about potential service interruptions and plan their travel accordingly. Updates on the strike schedule will be crucial for those who depend on the MVG for their transportation needs.
