Germany hit by Nationwide Transport Strike
Last update: February 2, 2026
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Union walkout over pay and working conditions disrupts buses trams and metros.
Public transport across Germany largely came to a standstill on Monday as one of the country’s biggest unions launched a strike in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
The walkout came as bitter winter weather and icy conditions made alternatives such as walking or cycling more dangerous for commuters.
The Verdi union is demanding shorter shifts for public transport workers and higher premiums for evening and weekend work. It has called on nearly 100,000 employees at around 150 transport companies to take part.
In several states the union is also seeking pay rises of about 10 percent.
The strike has halted metro services buses and trams in all states except Lower Saxony. Mainline and regional trains continue to operate.
Rallies in support of the strike are planned in cities including Hamburg and Saarbruecken.
CBI News reports that Berlin’s BVG transport operator criticised the action as disproportionate and urged Verdi to return to negotiations.
The strike follows warning walkouts last month across parts of the public sector as unions warn of staff shortages and declining purchasing power.
