Germany: Nationwide Public Transport Strike (ver.di) - February 27-28

A massive 48-hour coordinated warning strike by the ver.di union has paralyzed municipal transport across 15 of 16 federal states.

This action impacts approximately 100,000 employees and 150 transport companies.

🚆 Will buses and trains be running in Germany on 27 & 28 February 2026?

Commuters and travelers across Germany are facing a massive 48-hour nationwide public transport strike on Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28, 2026. Organized by the trade union ver.di, this "warning strike" has brought local transit to a standstill in 15 out of 16 federal states.

• Local U-Bahn, trams, and city buses are almost entirely halted.
• S-Bahn, regional trains (RE/RB), and long-distance trains (ICE/IC) operated by Deutsche Bahn are NOT on strike, but expect extreme overcrowding and secondary delays. Most services will resume at 03:00 on Sunday, March 1.
• In Berlin, the BVG has confirmed that while most services are halted, specific subcontracted bus lines (including 106, 114, 124, 184, and 204) and all ferries remain in service. For the most accurate, real-time status of these exceptions, passengers should check the official BVG Strike Page.

🔍 Why is this strike happening?

Negotiations between the ver.di union and municipal employers (KAV) failed for the fifth consecutive time. The union has shifted from local "warning" strikes to a national walkout to force a deal before the final bargaining rounds in March.

3 Core Demands

• Sustainability: Staff shortages are so severe that lines are being cancelled daily. The union wants shorter shifts and longer rest periods (11-hour minimum) to prevent burnout.
• Wages: Demands include a 10% pay increase (or a flat €68.75/month in some states) plus significantly higher bonuses for night and weekend shifts.
• Work-Life Balance: Reduction in weekly working hours and an end to "split shifts" (where drivers have long unpaid breaks in the middle of their day).