What passengers can do during warning strikes - Rhineland-Palatinate Braces for Major Transport Strike on Monday
A warning strike by the Verdi union will disrupt public transport across Rhineland-Palatinate on Monday, 2 February. Commuters in Mainz, Kaiserslautern, Trier, Pirmasens, and other areas should expect delays and cancellations as services face significant cutbacks.
The strike impacts multiple transport operators, including Mainz Transport Company (MVG), Kaiserslautern Municipal Utilities, Trier Municipal Utilities, Pirmasens Municipal Utilities, and KRN Rhein-Nahe Public Transport GmbH. MVG will run an emergency service on key lines, but only at 30-minute intervals and without fixed timetables.
Drivers have been advised to prepare for heavier traffic, as many passengers turn to private vehicles. Authorities recommend postponing non-essential in-person meetings or switching them to online formats. Remote work is encouraged where possible to reduce travel demand.
For those who must commute, alternatives like ride-sharing with colleagues, neighbours, or friends can help ease congestion. Shorter trips may be managed using bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, or taxis. Parents are also urged to confirm school transport arrangements if services are disrupted.
The strike is part of ongoing TV-L wage negotiations for public sector employees in the states. Volker Geyer, chief negotiator for the dbb (Tarifunion), represents unions including VRFF in these talks, though specific details for Rhineland-Palatinate on this date remain unclear.
The warning strike will cause widespread delays and cancellations on Monday. Passengers relying on affected services should check updates and consider alternative travel options. The disruption comes as unions continue negotiations over public sector pay.
