Dresden commuters should prepare for potential disruptions to public transportation this week as the ver.di union has announced further warning strikes in Saxony. While a specific date for Dresden hasn’t been set, strikes are planned throughout the region, impacting bus and rail services. The labor action stems from ongoing negotiations regarding collective bargaining agreements for public transport workers.
The ver.di union is targeting several transportation companies across Saxony, seeking improved wages and working conditions. Negotiations with the AVN-Gruppe Sachsen, which represents numerous regional transport operators, stalled earlier this month, prompting the renewed wave of industrial action. The union states employers were unwilling to build upon a revised offer, leading to the escalation of the dispute. Passengers should anticipate short-notice cancellations and delays, particularly on bus routes and replacement rail services.
Warning strikes have already begun in other parts of Saxony, with employees of Regionalverkehr Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge (RVSOE) staging walkouts on March 10th and 11th. Additional strikes have impacted Regionalverkehr Westsachsen, Verkehrsgesellschaft Meißen, Regionalverkehr Erzgebirge and ETP Chemnitz. On March 16th, workers at Regiobus Mittelsachsen and Regionalverkehr Westsachsen at select depots are also participating in the strikes.
Beginning Tuesday, large portions of East Saxony will be affected, including the Görlitzer Verkehrsbetriebe, Omnibusverkehr Oberlausitz, Regionalbus Oberlausitz, DB Regio Bus Ost (Zittau), and Verkehrsgesellschaft Hoyerswerda. These strikes are expected to cause disruptions to bus services in the region. The Dresdner Nahverkehrsgesellschaft (DVS) is also targeted, potentially impacting bus lines 68, 85, 88, 79, 72, 77, 73, 66, and 61, as well as the Elbfähren ferries.
Dresden Strikes: What to Expect
While the DVB tram network is currently unaffected, the strikes at DVS will impact bus services and ferry crossings. The RVSOE will also be struck again from March 20th to 22nd, affecting bus and ferry services throughout the Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge district, including routes serving Dresden. The popular Kirnitzschtalbahn is also expected to be impacted. Ver.di has stated that strike dates will be announced with at least 48 hours’ notice.
Background to the Dispute
The warning strikes are a direct result of stalled negotiations concerning collective bargaining agreements under the AVN-Gruppe Sachsen. The third round of talks in early March failed to yield a resolution. According to ver.di, the employers were unwilling to negotiate based on an improved offer. The union is using the strikes to increase pressure and restart meaningful discussions. The ver.di district of Saxony West-East-South is leading the negotiations and coordinating the strike actions.
Passengers in Saxony should anticipate further short-term disruptions to public transport in the coming days. Whether and when Dresden will be directly affected depends on the next strike announcements from ver.di. Commuters are advised to check for updates from their local transport providers before traveling.
The situation remains fluid, and further announcements regarding strike actions are expected throughout the week. Passengers should stay informed and allow extra time for their journeys.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing strikes? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
