Exact dates for the actions have not yet been determined.
The Verdi union confirmed to Bayerischer Rundfunk that it is preparing further warning strikes for municipal public transport in Bavaria. The second meeting with employers in Munich ended without result.
State of Negotiations: The Positions
Both sides have accused each other of blocking the negotiation process. The union is demanding a wage increase of up to 16% and a reduction of the work week from the current 38.5 hours to 35 hours with full pay compensation. Katharina Wagner of Verdi Bayern noted: “The staff is working at their absolute limit.” Employers, however, did not increase their existing offer.
The current offer from employers includes a 5% pay rise in two stages and a minimum payment of 110 euros. The Municipal Employers’ Association of Bavaria emphasized that this position is aligned with the collective bargaining results for municipalities reached last year. The association clarified that a more substantial increase cannot be financed under current budget deficits. Such a rise in personnel costs would inevitably lead to higher ticket prices or a reduction in transport services.
Timing of the Protest Actions
Verdi representatives have not yet disclosed the exact timing for the new warning strikes. It is expected that the actions will affect not only the major metropolitan areas of Munich and Nuremberg but also other regions. Protests will continue until the next round of negotiations, scheduled for March 9.
As collective bargaining for transport is also occurring in other federal states, nationwide strikes similar to those in early February remain possible. In Bavaria, the negotiations affect nearly 10,000 employees across 20 municipalities that manage their own public transport systems.
Source: Bayerischer Rundfunk
