Germany news: Bus and tram strikes hit several states hard

"The union Verdi said Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony-Anhalt have been particularly affected. In the Bavarian capital, Munich, buses and trams have also remained in depots. In North Rhine-Westphalia, this is the second strike affecting local transport services this week, with a tram strike also planned for Friday in some areas."

"The strikes are part of an ongoing round of collective bargaining negotiations across Germany's public transport sector. In the states of Baden-Wurttemberg and Schleswig-Holstein, agreements have already been reached. In the central state of Hesse, home to Germany's financial capital, Frankfurt, a compromise has been negotiated and is now being put to union members for approval."

"Verdi deputy chair Christine Behle has said negotiations remain at an early stage in many regions, despite entering the fourth month. In most states, the dispute centers on working conditions, including hours, break times and rest periods between shifts."

Public transport services across Germany face significant disruption from warning strikes organized by union Verdi. Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Munich have been particularly affected, with buses, trams, and local transport services remaining out of service. North Rhine-Westphalia experienced its second strike this week, with additional action planned. Regional and suburban rail services operated by Deutsche Bahn remain unaffected. These strikes are part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations across Germany's public transport sector. Some states including Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein have already reached agreements, while Hesse has negotiated a compromise awaiting union member approval. Negotiations continue in Berlin and other regions, with disputes primarily centered on working conditions including hours, break times, and rest periods between shifts.

Read at www.dw.com