Oh my goodness! If there’s one thing we can guarantee, it’s that getting people off their buses and trains will always stir up a little bit of a ruckus! The sweet smell of a good ol’ strike, ladies and gentlemen—nothing quite gets the blood pumping like the regional transport union getting their knickers in a twist over wages!
So, here we go. As reported, buses and trains in southern Baden have come to a spectacular and thunderous halt, all thanks to the service union ver.di and their “warning strikes.” Sounds a bit like a gentle nudge toward the management, doesn’t it? More like a nudge straight off a cliff if you ask me!
Now, about 400 SWEG employees have gathered for a rally—apparently, bus drivers from all over Baden-Württemberg are feeling quite biblical, parting the crowds like they’re Moses. And what are those brave souls chanting? Well, they’re demanding a £350 hike in wages retroactively—yes, please, can I get that too?
And let’s not forget the old inflation muscle! With a lovely demand of 1,300 euros for inflation compensation, I mean, at this rate, the only thing increasing faster than prices will be our union leaders’ waistlines from all that complaining—sorry, I mean progress.
Michael Mannig, a bus driver, has shared his plight, claiming he barely scrapes by at the end of the month on a combined income with his wife. Sad face emoji, folks! And what a pension he has to look forward to! A dazzling 1,100 euros per month! But hey, at least they’ll have enough for a lovely evening of staring at their bills together—how romantic!
Then we have Wolfgang Heumann, works council chairman. Six-day weeks until night? I don’t know whether we’re discussing a labor dispute or auditioning for a horror movie! But let’s face it, if these bus drivers branded it as a reality show, it’d probably win every award going, with the tagline: “Will they get their wages before we run out of biscuits?”
Of course, the bad news doesn’t stop there! Just yesterday, countless buses and trains reportedly stayed glued to their spots—those poor drivers probably wished they’d invested in a video game instead, you know, something where they can actually get somewhere!
So what’s making all this noise besides the bus engine? Well, ver.di’s asking for much better terms in the ongoing collective negotiations. The initial offers from employers are about as inspiring as a limp handshake—with a proposed wage increase of only three percent and 600 euros in inflation compensation. Seriously, did the employer’s association pull that from under their couch cushions?
And remember, ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t the first rodeo; we’ve had previous warnings this October. Seems SWEG and AVG know how to raise a ruckus or two, making public transport in Baden-Württemberg feel like a mad circus! And on this thrilling ride of drama, look out! More negotiations are set for November 11th! Bring your popcorn!
In conclusion, folks, whether you’re on a bus or train, you might want to reconsider your plans this week. But do keep your arms and legs inside the carriage until the union shakes hands and sorts this out! Because if there’s one thing we love more than a fair wage, it’s a solid public transport system… that actually transports!
And this saga isn’t just about buses and trains; it’s about real lives affected by the relentless tide of inflation. Let’s just hope the next headline can drop the “standstill” and pick up a bit of “getting things moving again,” if only to avoid any further interruptions to our precious tea time!
Since Wednesday, many buses and trains across southern Baden have faced significant disruptions as the service union ver.di initiated warning strikes. A substantial rally unfolded in Lahr, where approximately 400 SWEG employees congregated on Thursday to voice their concerns.
In a show of solidarity during the ongoing regional local transport strikes, a large rally took place on Thursday outside the Südwestdeutsche Landesverkehrs GmbH (SWEG) factory gate in Lahr, Ortenaukreis. This demonstration was organized by the service union ver.di to amplify their members’ demands.
The two-day warning strike, commencing on Wednesday and culminating on Thursday, aimed to strengthen the demands of SWEG employees amidst ongoing collective negotiations. Gabriele Fieback, representing ver.di Südbaden-Schwarzwald, highlighted their call for an additional 350 euros per month retroactively from October, alongside an inflation compensation of 1,300 euros.
Around 400 SWEG employees from all over BW were in Lahr
The rally in Lahr attracted several hundred bus and train drivers from every corner of Baden-Württemberg. According to union representative Fieback, approximately 400 SWEG employees participated. Among them was bus driver Michael Mannig, who expressed frustration over financial strains, saying that despite working full-time alongside his wife, their monthly budget feels tight. He lamented, “When I see my future pension notice, it makes me sad; I’ll only receive 1,100 euros a month,” Mannig said, highlighting the uncertainty many workers feel about their financial futures.
Bus driver Michael Mannig explains why he joined ver.di’s strike call:
“The cost of living and rent have skyrocketed,” stated Wolfgang Heumann, the SWEG works council chairman for Wiesloch and Sinsheim. He emphasized the necessity of wage increases, pointing out the increasingly difficult working conditions. Heumann articulated, “Our workweeks often extend to six days, and we sometimes work late into the night. Such dedication deserves appropriate rewards to attract new drivers,” acknowledging the challenge of recruiting in a tightening labor market.
If you see our days, how we work: six days a week, until night – then that should also be rewarded.
Wolfgang Heumann, SWEG works council chairman for Wiesloch and Sinsheim (Rhein-Neckar district)
Many buses and trains have been canceled
The ver.di service union successfully urged SWEG employees to participate in warning strikes on both Wednesday and Thursday. As a consequence, numerous buses and trains remained idle in their depots on Wednesday, a trend that continued into Thursday, with SWEG reporting high participation rates in the strike action. An initial gathering of about 100 SWEG staff took place in Lahr on the first day of the strike.
Reasons for warning strikes on buses and trains
The union ver.di is pushing for increased wages and inflation compensation for transport employees. Wages and salaries for approximately 5,500 employees across six federal states are currently being negotiated during this collective bargaining round for the railway collective agreement (ETV).
Following the initial round of negotiations, the employers’ association proposed a mere three percent wage increase effective April 2025, accompanied by a 600-euro inflation compensation – a response that ver.di deemed “completely inadequate.” The second round of negotiations will reconvene on Monday, November 11th, as unions continue to advocate for more substantial improvements.
Previous strike actions at SWEG and AVG in October
Earlier in mid-October, ver.di organized a warning strike at SWEG and at AVG (Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft), resulting in disruptions to public transport in specific regions of Baden-Württemberg.
Broadcast on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 7:30 a.m., SWR4 BW Studio Südbaden – regional news
Strike on public transport in BW
Ss the Südbaden region are stagnating, especially in light of the rising cost of living and inflation. With many transport workers feeling the pinch, these warning strikes serve as a stark reminder of the mounting pressure on the service industry.
While the employers have offered a wage increase of just three percent along with a one-time inflation compensation of 600 euros, workers feel this is insufficient considering the current economic landscape. The union’s proposals aim to significantly raise earnings in a bid to not only appreciate the hard work of the transport employees but also to make the profession more attractive to potential recruits.
The ongoing negotiations are a reflection of larger trends affecting the labor market, as companies across various industries scramble to respond to employee concerns. As the clock ticks down to the next round of negotiations set for November 11th, it remains to be seen whether the parties will find common ground or if the strikes will intensify.
As these public transport disruptions unfold, the narrative centers around the struggle for fair wages and improved working conditions. The voices of the workers, echoed through rallies and organized protests, signify a collective demand for respect and recognition in the face of growing economic challenges. The people of Baden-Württemberg are urged to stay tuned as the unfolding drama continues to impact their daily commutes and the future of public transportation.