Schleswig-Holstein public transport wage dispute

In mid-September 2026, the Verdi union initiated a warning strike involving approximately 1,800 public transport employees across the German cities of Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg, and Neumünster, as well as the Plön district. The industrial action was driven by a wage dispute, with the union seeking a 6.5 percent pay increase over 12 months and an annual 650 euro benefit. In contrast, the municipal employers' association offered a 4.4 percent increase over 24 months.

Following the initial two-day strike, bus services in Schleswig-Holstein resumed and transportation returned to normal. However, the Verdi union called for a subsequent full-day warning strike on Monday, September 21. This action was expected to cause massive disruptions for commuters and students from the start of operations until the end of the day.

In response to the escalating tension, Schleswig-Holstein's Transport Minister, Claus Ruhe Madsen, called for restraint from both parties to avoid further commuter frustration. A third round of negotiations was scheduled to take place in Kiel on Tuesday, September 22, to address the collective bargaining impasse.