Public transport strike: What passengers in northern Germany need to know

A two-day warning strike will disrupt public bus services in parts of Schleswig-Holstein, affecting commuters, students and other passengers. Verdi has called about 1,800 public transport workers out from Wednesday, September 8, to Thursday, September 10.

The strike covers the municipal bus companies in Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg and Neumünster, as well as bus services in the Plön district. Passengers should expect extensive cancellations. Regular bus services are not expected to operate in the four independent cities, and the union anticipates that local public transport will largely come to a standstill. Emergency services are also not expected.

Passengers are advised to postpone nonessential trips or arrange alternatives in advance. Options include driving, car-sharing, cycling, using an electric scooter or working from home where possible. School attendance requirements remain in force, so parents must arrange the journey to school. Absences can be excused only in justified exceptional cases.

Travelers should check the websites, apps or social media channels of the relevant transport companies before setting out. The dispute follows unsuccessful pay talks, with the second round in early September producing no agreement.

Verdi is demanding a 6.5% pay rise for all employees over a 12-month contract period. It also wants a preferential arrangement worth €650 per year for union members. Negotiations for public transport in Schleswig-Holstein are due to resume on September 22, while talks in the nationwide railway tariff round will continue on October 5.