Strike flood in North Rhine -Westphalia: Traffic paralyzed - where are there chaos today?

Strike flood in North Rhine -Westphalia: Traffic paralyzed - where are there chaos today?

The warning strikes in public transport (public transport) North Rhine-Westphalia started on February 10, 2025 and last until February 14, 2025. These strikes are the result of the intended pressure increase in the collective bargaining by the Verdi union. As early as February 6th and 7th, strikes took place in several cities before the current warning strikes occurred. The aim of these actions is to persuade employers to concessions in the ongoing negotiations that took place on January 24, 2025 in an unsuccessful first round reports 24rhein .

The required wage increases include an 8 percent raising or at least 350 euros more per month, improved surcharges for stressful activities, raising the training allowances by 200 euros per month and three additional free days. In addition, the introduction of a "my-time account" for more flexibility in working hours is aimed at gives German public service news .

striker and effects

The strikes concern numerous transport companies in North Rhine-Westphalia. On February 12, 2025, the Ruhrbahn in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr was affected. The Hagen tram had set up an emergency timetable from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while in Remscheid the regular regular buses were noticeable and only took place. The Transport Company Ennepe-Ruhr also reported that the regular range of buses was only possible, as well as the Märkische Verkehrsgesellschaft in the Märkische Kreis, the effects of which are currently unclear Rhein-Ruhr .

For February 13, 2025, the Dortmund Stadtwerke and the Aachen tram announced to interrupt their services due to the strikes. On the last day of the warning strikes, February 14th, the Stadtwerke Bonn and the Rhein-Sieg-Verkehrsgesellschaft will also be affected, whereby the latter can only offer isolated trips by subcontractors.

background of the strikes

The current strikes are part of a larger event in the context of the collective bargaining for the public service of the federal and municipalities, which find difficult framework conditions in view of the financial situation of the municipalities, which are confronted with total debt of 160 billion euros. Unions look after around 2.3 million employees, whereby the required wage and working time improvements are considered crucial for the attractiveness of the public service. The next round of negotiations will take place on February 17 and 18, 2025 in Potsdam

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While the VKA criticizes the unions of the unions as unrealistically, they put pressure on employers in order to submit a satisfactory offer. The collective bargaining also has a high level of relevance for employees in social and educational professions and care, which also increases the economic pressure.

The affected transport companies recommend passengers to find out about current timetables and strike details before starting travel in order to avoid nasty surprises. The situation remains dynamic and changes are possible at any time, so constant information procurement is necessary.