Warning strikes in bus traffic: big failures in Baden-Württemberg!

The ver.di union has again called for warning strikes in the private bus industry in Baden-Württemberg. The protests affect several cities, including Neckarsulm, the Heilbronn, Göppingen, Geislingen and Schwetzingen area. The aim of these warning strikes is to increase the pressure on employers in the ongoing collective bargaining. The first warning strikes took place on Thursday, and the affected regions are represented by around 30 companies.

A total of up to 2,000 strikes are expected on both days, with around 1,500 bus drivers followed on the first day of strike alone. The effects vary depending on the city and region, with bus failures in cities such as Schwäbisch Hall, Reutlingen, Tübingen, Waiblingen, Böblingen and Ludwigsburg. The failures in Reutlingen are particularly serious, where all lines, including school buses and the quick bus to Stuttgart Airport, are affected.

claims of the union and reactions of employers

ver.di calls for an increase in the fee by 9 % for employees and a monthly increase of 100 euros for trainees. The duration of the claims is 12 months. The Association of Baden-Württemberg omnibus company reacts to the demands of the union with criticism and describes them as excessive. The first round of negotiations on December 18, 2024 ended without an offer by the employer, and the obligation to peace expired on December 31, 2024. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for January 15, 2025.

The warning strikes are assessed as confrontative, which employers see as not beneficial for the negotiations. While the union insists on its concerns, it remains to be seen how the negotiations will develop in the coming days to reach an agreement.