Finance

Buses, trams and trains grind to a halt across Germany at start of two-day strike

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 27, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

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Buses, trams and trains grind to a halt across Germany at start of two-day strike
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BERLIN, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Buses, trams and trains across Germany ground to a halt early Friday as local transport workers heeded a call by the Verdi public sector union to stage a strike on February

Transport Disruptions in Germany as Workers Begin Two-Day Strike

Nationwide Transport Strike Commences

BERLIN, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Buses, trams and trains across Germany ground to a halt early Friday as local transport workers heeded a call by the Verdi public sector union to stage a strike on February 27 and 28.

Union's Negotiation Goals

The union is aiming to gain leverage in negotiations that cover working conditions, specifically working hours and shift work, allowances for night and weekend work, as well as salaries. Exact demands vary from state to state.

Impact on Public Transport Companies

Talks on a collective wage agreement affect about 150 bus, tram and local train companies with around 100,000 employees in states across Germany, including the cities of Berlin and Hamburg.

(Writing by Friederike Heine; Editing by Michael Perry)

Key Takeaways

  • A Verdi-led 48‑hour strike halted buses, trams and U‑Bahn across Germany starting February 27, 2026.
  • About 100,000 transport workers at 150 companies in major cities like Berlin and Hamburg participated.
  • The strike was called to pressure employers over pay, working hours, rest periods and shift allowances.
  • Long‑distance trains and regional/ICE services were not affected, but saw overcrowding as commuters sought alternatives.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What services were affected by the strike?
Local buses, trams and U‑Bahn trains across Germany, including Berlin and Hamburg, were halted, while regional, S‑Bahn and long‑distance Deutsche Bahn services continued (though overcrowded).
Why did the Verdi union call the strike?
Verdi demanded improvements in working conditions: reduced working hours, shift length adjustments, longer rest periods, and higher night/weekend work allowances and pay.
How long did the strike last?
The strike lasted two days — from early Friday, February 27, 2026, through Saturday, February 28, 2026.
How many workers and companies were involved?
About 100,000 employees across approximately 150 bus, tram and local train companies were involved nationwide.

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