Harsh wage negotiations in public transport expected - Germany’s public transport braces for tense 2026 wage negotiations
Public transport workers in eastern Germany are heading for tough negotiation skills talks in 2026. The Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (ver.di) union has already submitted its demands, setting the stage for a potential dispute. Employers warn that some requests, like a 35-hour workweek, could push public wage costs up sharply and strain operations further.
On November 27, 2025, ver.di formally filed its wage collective agreement application. The proposal covers nearly 20 public transport companies across Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Thuringia. Employers now face pressure to respond before negotiations begin in earnest.
The wage negotiations will determine working conditions for thousands of public transport employees. If no agreement is reached, further strikes could disrupt services in 2026. The outcome will also shape how the industry addresses ongoing staff shortages and rising minimum wage costs.
