VHH Warning Strike: Widespread Bus Disruptions in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein
Hamburg, February 12 – Commuters in Hamburg and parts of Schleswig-Holstein faced significant travel disruptions on Wednesday as bus drivers from Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein (VHH) engaged in a warning strike. The industrial action, organized by the ver.di trade union, primarily impacted bus services in western and northern Hamburg, along with routes in the Pinneberg and Segeberg districts.
The strike, which commenced on Wednesday and was scheduled to conclude at 3:00 AM on Thursday, involved bus drivers from depots in Volkspark, Norderstedt, Quickborn, Elmshorn, and Schenefeld. The industrial action had a noticeable effect on transport services reaching as far as Hamburg’s city center, with Express and Metrobus lines 1, 2, 3, and X3 also being affected.
Affected VHH Lines and Services
A substantial number of VHH bus lines were completely suspended due to the strike. These included lines: 1, 22, 184, 185, 186, 188, 194, 196, 278, 281, 285, 286, 288, 293, 294, 296, 378, 384, 395, 488, 494, 588, 593, 595, 601, 794, and X95. Additionally, some buses operated on a limited schedule on lines: 2, 3, 15, 21, 178, 189, 192, 193, 195, 284, 289, 295, 492, 594, 7141, X3, and X21.
Despite the widespread disruptions, school bus services on lines 478 and 6541 ran as scheduled. Furthermore, the rail replacement service on the A3 motorway also operated according to its timetable, providing some relief for commuters.
U-Bahn and S-Bahn Services Unaffected
Unlike previous industrial actions, this warning strike exclusively targeted VHH bus services. U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (urban rail) trains, AKN regional trains, and Hochbahn buses continued to operate as normal, mitigating the overall impact on Hamburg’s public transport network. The ongoing labor dispute with VHH centers on demands for reduced working hours and additional allowances for employees.
Ver.di’s Demands: 35-Hour Week and Holiday Pay
The ver.di trade union is advocating for several key improvements for VHH employees, including the introduction of a 35-hour work week and holiday pay equivalent to half a month’s salary. Ver.di representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the employer’s offer, which reportedly included only a half-hour reduction in the weekly working time, to be implemented by the 2030/2031 timetable change, and completely disregarded the demand for holiday pay. The fourth round of negotiations between ver.di and VHH management is scheduled for February 26.
VHH, which states it employs approximately 3,000 staff and operates around 800 buses, positions itself as Germany’s third-largest municipal bus company. The majority ownership of VHH rests with the City of Hamburg.
Broader Context of Public Sector Wage Negotiations
This warning strike comes amidst ongoing collective bargaining for the public service sector in German states, with renewed negotiations commencing today. Employees in Hamburg have voiced concerns about the rising cost of living, highlighting the challenges posed by
