Frankfurt Public Transit Paralyzed by Warning Strike
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Frankfurt, Germany – Commuters in Frankfurt were forced to exercise patience on Wednesday as a warning strike by the municipal transit operator brought large parts of the city’s public transportation system to a standstill. No subways or trams operated throughout the day, leaving passengers stranded and causing major traffic congestion.
Unions Dig In
The strike, organized by the Verdi union, saw approximately 3,500 employees participating in a demonstration march through Frankfurt’s city center. Police estimated the number of participants at 2,300. According to Mathias Venema, Verdi’s state director for public and private services, social security, and transportation, the action was a resounding success.
"We have sent a clear signal to employers that we expect a viable offer in the next round of negotiations," Venema asserted. In addition to Frankfurt, protests and demonstrations also took place in other Hessian cities, with 1,000 people marching in Darmstadt, 500 in Wetzlar, 350 in Rüsselsheim, and 200 in Riedstadt.
Impact on Commuters
In Frankfurt, all trains on all nine subway lines and ten tram lines remained in the depot at the start of their shifts, Venema explained. The union representative expressed understanding for the inconvenience caused to passengers, but emphasized that alternatives to the subway and trams were available, including S-Bahns, regional trains, and city buses. However, even those traveling by car faced delays due to increased traffic congestion.
Labor Demands
The employees of the subway and tram system are demanding higher wages in light of rising living costs, as well as the introduction of additional days off as part of the collective bargaining agreement. The work stoppages were scheduled to last until the end of the shift, with normal subway and tram service expected to resume on Thursday.
Wider Public Service Strike
The warning strike extended beyond public transit, affecting other sectors of the public service in Frankfurt and neighboring municipalities. Employees of the city’s waste management department, the city administration of Offenbach and other cities in nearby counties, as well as workers in disability care and elderly care services also participated in the strike.
Negotiations Ongoing
The strikes are part of ongoing negotiations between the union and employers over new collective bargaining agreements in the public sector for both federal and municipal employees. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 17-18. Verdi is demanding a minimum monthly salary increase of €350, as well as higher allowances for particularly strenuous work. The union is also seeking a €200 monthly increase in training and internship salaries and three additional days of leave.
Impact on the City
The warning strike has had a significant impact on the daily life of Frankfurt residents and visitors. Commuters and businesses have been forced to adjust to alternative modes of transportation, and traffic congestion has become a major issue. The strike has also highlighted the importance of public transit in the city’s infrastructure and the essential role played by its employees.
