Germany: Unionized public transport workers striking in North Rhine-Westphalia State Feb. 9-10

Event

Unionized public transport workers are striking in North Rhine-Westphalia State Feb. 9-10. Members of the Verdi and Komba unions agreed the industrial action in support of increased wage negotiations. Public transport services are severely impacted across the region, with cancelations and delays to bus and tram operations. The subway in Dusseldorf will also not operate. Affected centers include Bielefeld, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Oberhausen, Remscheid, Solingen, and Wuppertal.

The unions have called for demonstrations in Aachen, Cologne, Dortmund, and Dusseldorf. It is not known how many will attend the events. The rallies are likely to place at transport hubs or at transport operations buildings.

Increased demand for alternative modes of transport is likely during the strike. High private vehicle use during the strike could prompt traffic congestion on major routes. Residual transport disruptions are possible after the work stoppages conclude as services normalize.

Advice

Reconfirm transport arrangements. Allow extra time to reach destinations during the strike period, and seek alternative means of transport as necessary. Plan for travel delays and increased congestion on transport services that are operating. Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution.