Transportation Strike in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Intensifies as Verdi Calls for Walkout
Headline
Transportation Strike in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Intensifies as Verdi Calls for Walkout
Introduction
Following what the Gewerkschaft Verdi (Verdi) union deemed an inadequate offer from municipal employers, the union has escalated pressure in the ongoing public transport labor dispute in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Verdi has called for a two-day warning strike, significantly disrupting transportation services across the region.
Strike Details
On Thursday, buses and trains will remain in depots in the western part of the state, including Schwerin. The strike will then extend to Vorpommern and Rostock on Friday, effectively halting public transport in those areas.
School Transport Impact
The strike will significantly impact school transportation, with most routes canceled. Neubrandenburg and Anklam will be exceptions to this disruption. Nahbus Nordwestmecklenburg GmbH has announced that bus routes will be reduced to Saturday schedules, eliminating school transport in the district as well.
Education Ministry Advisory
The Ministry of Education has issued a statement outlining regulations for such situations. Students who rely on public transportation and are unable to attend school due to the strike should be excused by their parents or guardians with a written note. Adult students can excuse themselves independently. However, schools will remain open, and classes will proceed as scheduled for all grades. Teachers are expected to report for duty as usual.
Verdi’s Demands
Verdi is demanding wage increases of €430 per month and an annual bonus of €500. According to Verdi negotiator Sascha Bähring, "There is a need to increase wages, especially in this state, and neighboring federal states are significantly ahead of us."
Employers’ Rejection
Carola Freier, managing director of the Municipal Employer Association of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has dismissed Verdi’s demands as unreasonable and unsustainable. "A monthly increase of €430 would result in an additional €17.5 million in personnel costs for municipal transport companies. This is economically unfeasible," she stated. According to Verdi, employers are offering wage increases of approximately 2% per year over a contract period until 2028.
Additional Information
The negotiations, which began in late January, affect approximately 2,800 employees. Talks are set to resume in Rostock on February 25. In early February, initial warning strikes caused significant inconvenience to tens of thousands of passengers. In response to the violent attack on a union demonstration in Munich, Verdi has announced that the latest warning strike will involve "silent strikes" without any rallies.
