Public transport strikes hit 6 German states

Continuing wage disputes mean public transport workers across six different German states are out on strike on Friday. Fridays for Future demonstrations across 250 locations in Germany have been organised to run in tandem with the industrial action.

Bus and train strikes across Germany

Many U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus services across Germany will grind to a halt today as public transport employees walk out over an ongoing wage dispute.

Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, Lower Saxony and Rhineland Palatinate will be particularly affected, and disruption to transport will last all day.

Germany’s largest trade union, ver.di, represents the 2,5 million striking employees and is demanding a 10,5 percent increase in pay for their workers. Today’s strikes come after a second round of negotiations were unsuccessful, with public transport bosses only offering a 5 percent pay rise and a one-off bonus of 2.500 euros.

A third round of negotiations is scheduled for the end of March.

Transport strikes coincide with climate strikes

March 3, also marks another Fridays for Future climate strike across Germany, with demonstrations held in 250 locations. 

Ver.di deputy leader Christine Behle made it known in a statement that the timing of both events is not a coincidence. “A transport revolution (Verkehrswende) will not be possible without investing in workers,” Behle said.

At demonstrations, and on the accompanying hashtag #Wirfahrenzusammen (We ride together), ver.di and Fridays for Future are demanding better working conditions and higher pay for public transport staff, more staff, affordable tickets, the further development of transport networks in Germany and more regular train services.

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