A massive warning strike by public transport workers, organized by the Verdi trade union, is underway across Germany. The protest has affected most federal states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, where traffic jams during rush hour reached nearly 300 kilometers in length. The strikers' main demands concern improved working conditions, including the introduction of a 35-hour work week and higher wages in the face of ongoing collective bargaining disputes.

Transport Paralysis in NRW

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the strike caused record traffic jams stretching 300 km during the afternoon hours.

Demands of the Verdi Union

Main demands include the introduction of a 35-hour work week and improvement of social conditions for passengers.

Nationwide Scope

Protests affected, among others, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, residents of Germany had to contend with massive disruptions to local public transport. The warning strike, announced by the powerful trade union Verdi, covered almost the entire country. The protest action primarily impacted passengers of buses, trams, and subways. The most difficult situation occurred in North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state, where hundreds of thousands of people switched to cars, leading to giant traffic jams with a total length of nearly 300 kilometers during the afternoon rush hour. The unionists are demanding systemic changes in the ÖPNV sector. A key demand is reducing the work week to 35 hours without a pay cut and improving social benefits. According to union leaders, current working conditions have led to a critical staff shortage and excessive strain on existing employees. The protests are nationwide, but their intensity varies by region. In Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, over 1,500 bus drivers did not take to the streets, almost completely halting transport in the largest cities of these states. The tradition of warning strikes (Warnstreik) in Germany dates back to the post-war period and is part of the ritual of wage negotiations. These are short, usually several-hour or one-day work stoppages, intended to show the determination of the social side before another round of talks with employers.The situation also affected the northern and eastern parts of the country. In Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the strike hit municipal bus companies. Despite the implementation of emergency plans, most connections were canceled, negatively impacting commutes to work and schools. Transport operators are urging passengers to check current information before every journey, as the protests may last until late evening hours, also affecting returns from sporting events such as Bundesliga football matches.