The Verdi union has called for a nationwide warning strike in communal public transport on February 2, which will largely paralyze local transit in cities like Kiel, Lübeck, Neumünster, and Flensburg. Employees bear the risk for delays and should discuss alternatives with supervisors early. Bus companies are primarily affected, while some long-distance services continue to operate.
On Monday, February 2, the warning strike called by Verdi in communal public transport begins nationwide. In Schleswig-Holstein, providers KVG in Kiel, Stadtwerke Lübeck Mobil, SWN Stadtverkehr in Neumünster, and Aktiv Bus in Flensburg are affected. The strike starts with the early shift around 4:30 a.m. and lasts until the end of the late shift around 5 a.m. the next day. Verdi expects the public transport in the regions to "largely come to a standstill".
The striking workers from Schleswig-Holstein will gather from 10 a.m. behind the union house at Holstentorplatz in Lübeck for a rally and demonstration. In Kiel, no KVG buses will run, while lines from Autokraft, Verkehrsbetriebe Kreis Plön, and SFK ferries operate as scheduled. The Kielius airport bus to Hamburg Airport, operated by Autokraft, is also unaffected.
For employees reliant on public transport, the so-called "path risk" applies: They are personally responsible for arriving on time, regardless of strikes, snow, or ice. "Even if buses and trains don't run, employees cannot simply be late," warns Volker Görzel from the Association of German Labor Lawyers (VDAA). Delays without reasonable alternatives can lead to wage deductions, warnings, or make-up work.
It is recommended to discuss with supervisors early. Possible solutions include home office, flexitime, short-term vacation, or make-up work, depending on the contract. Alternatives to public transport are non-striking services like Deutsche Bahn, carpooling, car, bike, taxi, or ridesharing apps. Immediate notification of superiors in case of impending delay can mitigate conflicts.
The strike is part of a nationwide action day for better working conditions. "Our demands were met with counter-demands for worsening working conditions. [...] then we must make the conflict clearly more audible," explained Verdi-Nord negotiator Sascha Bähring. Hamburg is also affected, with strikes at VHH and Hamburger Hochbahn starting at 3 a.m., impacting night buses.
