The trade union Verdi has announced widespread strikes in the public transportation sector across Bavaria, with significant disruptions anticipated in major cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, and others. The industrial action, scheduled for Monday, 2 February 2026, targets all municipal transportation companies governed by the local public transport collective agreement (TV-N).

According to Verdi, the strike will impact urban bus, tram, and subway services in affected cities. However, S-Bahn commuter trains are expected to operate normally, as these are managed by Deutsche Bahn and are not subject to the current labor dispute. Regional buses are also generally excluded from the strike action.

Anticipated Service Interruptions

In Munich, the local public transport provider (MVG) has indicated that bus operations will be significantly limited, with only a few routes likely to be in service, primarily those operated by external contractors. Subway services are expected to remain suspended at the start of the strike due to safety considerations. The resumption of any lines will depend on available staff. Tram operations will face similar constraints, with the possibility of partial services if sufficient personnel are present.

Nuremberg will see a complete halt to subway operations, while a reduced number of bus lines--based on night schedules--will run from the main train station at hourly intervals. Other cities, including Augsburg, Regensburg, Bamberg, Passau, Landshut, and Schweinfurt, are also bracing for substantial restrictions in public transport availability.

Union Demands and Negotiation Status

Verdi is seeking a monthly wage increase of EUR668.75 for employees covered by the TV-N, as well as a reduction in the standard weekly working hours from 38.5 to 35, with full salary retention. The union argues that these changes are necessary to address wage disparities within municipal transport companies and align entry-level wages in Bavaria with those in neighboring states such as Baden-Württemberg. Additionally, Verdi is pushing for an increase in the Sunday wage supplement from 25% to 30%, a guaranteed minimum rest period of eleven hours between shifts, and more favorable rules concerning the calculation of working time before and after driving duties. The union has proposed a one-year term for the new agreement.

Previous negotiations between Verdi and the Association of Municipal Employers (KAV) failed to yield an agreement, with the employers reportedly rejecting the union's compromise proposals. The union attributes the escalation of the labor dispute to the stance of the employers in the ongoing negotiations.

Potential for Further Industrial Action

Verdi has indicated that if no progress is made before the next scheduled negotiation round on 13 February 2026, additional and possibly more intensive strikes may follow in the coming weeks. The union is calling on the employers to present a constructive offer to avoid further disruptions to public transport services across Bavaria.

Commuters in the affected cities are advised to monitor updates from local transport providers and seek alternative travel arrangements where necessary. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will have significant implications for both public transport employees and passengers throughout the region.