Saarbrücken: Saarbahn tram-train hit by GDL wave strikes at any time until the end of September 2026

The train drivers' union GDL is striking Saarbahn, the tram-train operator in Saarbrücken, in waves that can start at any time and without advance notice until the end of September 2026. The dispute began in May: GDL wants its own collective agreement for the roughly 80–100 drivers of the S1 line, while Saarbahn and the municipal employers' association refuse to negotiate and want to apply the regional public-transport agreement instead. More than thirty stoppages have taken place since 26 May.

What to expect: during a strike the S1 Saargemünd–Saarbrücken–Lebach runs on a reduced replacement timetable with a change at Riegelsberg Süd, and replacement buses cover the rest; Saarbahn publishes each strike on its press page and in its app. City buses are not affected.

GDL has not ruled out further action in October if the company still refuses talks.