Escalating Conflict in Private Bus Transportation Industry: Impending Strikes and Service Disruptions Loom
Negotiations Collapse, Verdi Prepares for Ballot on Strikes
The labor dispute between employers and the Verdi union in the private bus transportation industry in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has intensified. The employers’ association, WBO, has warned of significant disruptions for customers due to the union’s planned strike ballot and looming strike action.
"The union is doing nothing to bridge the gap between its demands and the offer from employers," the employer association stated.
Verdi declared the collective bargaining negotiations deadlocked on Thursday evening. "Despite several days of previous warning strikes with high participation, the employers have only marginally improved their offer," the union said after the fourth round of negotiations.
The union’s strike committee has subsequently declared the negotiations a failure. Verdi is now preparing for a strike ballot, where if over 75% of members vote in favor, unlimited strikes could be authorized.
Wage and Benefit Demands at the Heart of Dispute
The employers’ current offer, according to WBO, includes a 3% wage increase on July 1, 2025, and an additional 2.5% on July 1, 2026, with a contract duration of 28 months. Additionally, a one-time payment of 500 euros would be provided for the first six months of 2025.
Verdi, on the other hand, is demanding a 9% wage increase and a monthly supplement of 100 euros for apprentices, with a contract term of only 12 months, for the approximately 9,000 employees covered by the collective agreement.
The union has rejected the employers’ offer as insufficient and untimely. "We remain willing to negotiate at any time, provided that the employers make some concessions," Verdi said.
Warn of Consequences for Customers
WBO has expressed concern about the potential impact of strikes on its customers. "We are aware of our responsibility to provide reliable transportation services to the public," said WBO spokesperson Martin Holder. "However, the excessive demands of Verdi make it impossible for us to agree at this time."
The association warned that warning strikes could lead to canceled bus routes and service reductions, while a full-blown strike could bring public transportation in Baden-Württemberg to a standstill.
Ongoing Negotiations Crucial for Resolution
Both sides have emphasized their willingness to continue negotiations. WBO has indicated that it is open to discussing alternative proposals, while Verdi has expressed a willingness to compromise within reason.
However, a solution appears elusive for the moment, with both parties holding firm to their positions. It is unclear when the next round of negotiations will take place or whether a compromise can be reached before the strike ballot.
The labor dispute in the private bus transportation industry in Baden-Württemberg has entered a critical phase, as the threat of widespread strikes looms. The outcome of the upcoming strike ballot will be crucial in determining the extent of the disruption to public transportation services in the region.
