Public Transport Disruptions and Service Closures Due to Verdi Union Warning Strikes
Göttingen and Wolfsburg
Due to a warning strike by the Verdi union, public transport in Göttingen and Wolfsburg will be suspended all day on Thursday. Both cities’ public transport providers have announced that their buses will remain in the depots throughout the day.
Hannover
In Hannover, further warning strikes will occur in daycare centers and administrative offices. All municipal daycare centers and indoor swimming pools, as well as several citizens’ offices, will remain closed on Thursday, according to the city’s announcement.
Wolfsburg and Göttingen
In Wolfsburg, the hospital and the job center will also be affected by the strike. In Göttingen, other affected services include daycare centers and waste management.
Other Affected Locations
Additional work stoppages are anticipated in the districts of Gifhorn, Helmstedt, Verden, Northeim, Nienburg, and Grafschaft Bentheim. The city of Nordhorn has issued a warning about potential disruptions to its snow removal services.
Prior Strikes and Upcoming Negotiations
Verdi previously brought bus and train services in Hannover to a standstill with a warning strike on Tuesday and disrupted waste collection services. On Wednesday, Braunschweig was primarily affected.
With these actions, the union aims to exert pressure on employers ahead of the next round of wage negotiations for public sector employees at the federal and municipal levels. The second round of negotiations between both parties is scheduled to take place in Potsdam on Monday.
Background on the Industrial Action
The Verdi union represents employees in the public sector, including those working in public transportation, education, and other municipal services. The union is demanding a wage increase of 10.5% for its members, as well as improvements in working conditions.
Impact on Services
The warning strikes are expected to cause significant disruptions to public transportation, daycare services, and other affected services. Commuters and residents are advised to seek alternative arrangements for transportation and other necessary services.
Negotiation Process
The second round of negotiations between Verdi and the public sector employers is scheduled for Monday, February 27, in Potsdam. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the future course of the industrial action and the potential for further disruptions to public services.
