after the end of the train strike, municipal public transport in turn mobilized

As soon as the train drivers’ strike ended in Germany, it was the turn of municipal public transport. The sector’s union called on Monday January 29 for a strike on Friday for better working conditions. “We will strike in all regions except Bavaria [dans le sud du pays]“announced Christine Behle, deputy vice-president of the Verdi union.

More than “90 000 employees” of “132 local businesses” managing buses, trams and metros in “81 towns and 42 cantons” are called to stop work, she said. However, long-distance and regional trains operated by Deutsche Bahn are not affected by this social movement.

Reduction of weekly work load

The union is demanding “more attractive working conditions”while the sector faces a “considerable shortage of staff in many companies”, according to Christine Behle. The union calls for “a reduction in weekly working time, with full salary compensation”calling in particular for “a 35 hour week” for employees in the sector. In some regions, Verdi is also demanding salary increases.

The announcement comes days after a strike by train drivers that paralyzed the country last week. Their union also demanded a move to a 35-hour week over four days, compared to the current 38 hours per week, as well as wage increases to compensate for inflation. The state-owned railway company, Deutsche Bahn, has said it is ready to at least discuss “models for reducing working hours”. The strike therefore ended, with employers and unions having decided to resume negotiations.