The labor dispute between the Verdi union and employers, which centered on higher wages for employees, among other issues, dragged on for months. This resulted in a total of six public transit strikes in Munich, the last one on Tuesday, April 14. Now, both parties have reached an agreement in the labor dispute in Bavaria, which public transit users are likely to view with cautious optimism.
Months-long tug-of-war
Since the beginning of the year, Verdi has been in a dispute with employers over better conditions for union members. Specifically, it demanded higher wages and a shorter workweek. To enforce these demands, there were several strikes—some of them nationwide—in public transportation, which caused massive disruptions, particularly during rush hour. Verdi expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the negotiation rounds and repeatedly called on employees to go on strike.
This persistence is now paying off: During the night of Wednesday, April 15, to Thursday, April 16, a preliminary agreement was reached between the disputing parties . While Verdi describes the compromise as having “its ups and downs,” the key issues have nonetheless been resolved.
Agreement in the labor dispute: No more strikes?
Even though the preliminary agreement in the labor dispute is good news for now, you shouldn’t celebrate too soon. The final decision on whether to accept the negotiated compromise won’t be made until mid-May. By then, Verdi must complete the member survey, whose results must approve the agreement. Accordingly, new developments could arise in the future. Until then, however, a peace obligation applies, meaning: no further warning strikes until at least May 15. Until then, bus, tram, and subway passengers should be able to reach their destinations reliably.
If both sides ultimately agree to the new collective bargaining agreement, it will be valid for four years. During this period, employees’ wages are to rise gradually and working hours are to be reduced by one hour to 37.5 hours per week. Whether the agreement in the labor dispute will truly hold will become clear on May 15, though the next disruption for commuters awaits just three days later : Starting May 18, due to renovation work at the Poccistraße and Goetheplatz subway stations, there will be a months-long full closure on the Implerstraße–Sendlinger Tor section of the U3 and U6 lines.
