German transport strike halts travel
Ver.di walkout disrupts buses and trains nationwide
A nationwide strike called by the German services union ver.di has halted municipal public transport across almost all of Germany for up to 48 hours, bringing trains, buses and trams to a standstill and severely disrupting travel for millions of commuters. Long-distance and regional rail services operated by Deutsche Bahn were sharply reduced, with many connections canceled or heavily delayed, while urban networks in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg reported widespread suspensions of subways, trams and buses. Airports in some regions faced knock-on effects as passengers struggled to reach terminals.
Union leaders say the industrial action aims to secure higher pay to offset inflation and rising living costs, along with improved working conditions to address chronic staff shortages and workload pressures. They argue that more competitive salaries are essential to retain skilled workers and ensure reliable public services. Employers and municipal authorities counter that tight budgets constrain their ability to meet all demands.
The strike, announced in advance, prompted authorities to advise people to work from home where possible and to allow extra travel time. Many commuters turned to bicycles, carpooling or private vehicles, increasing road congestion. Emergency and essential services urged contingency planning to cope with reduced transport availability.
Negotiations between union representatives and employers are expected to resume, with ver.di warning further action is possible if talks fail to yield an acceptable offer. Officials have urged both sides to return to the negotiating table quickly to limit the economic and social disruption. The stoppage highlights mounting tensions in Germany’s public sector as workers press for pay and conditions improvements amid ongoing economic pressures.
