Germany: Unionized public transport workers to strike in Lower Saxony Feb. 19-20

The Verdi labor union will lead a public transport workers' strike in Lower Saxony Feb. 19-20. The industrial action will affect buses, trams, taxis, and trains in the cities of Braunschweig, Gottingen, Goslar, Hanover, Osnabruck, and Wolfsburg. Gatherings will likely be attended by striking workers in Lower Saxony's major urban centers. Workers are demanding an increase in available vacation days, better rest periods, and better overall working conditions for shift workers.

The strike will likely cause travel disruptions in all major cities in the region affected. Road congestion may increase as commuters seek other modes of transport. Delays and overcrowding are likely on public transport services that are operating. Authorities could deploy increased security to monitor striking workers' pickets at transport hubs. Associated localized disruptions could occur. Some lingering disruptions to services are likely in the hours following the strike.