Limited winter service in the north on Thursday - Schleswig-Holstein braces for icy roads and public-sector strikes on Thursday
Drivers in Schleswig-Holstein are being warned of hazardous road conditions on Thursday. A mix of snow, ice, and a public strike could create slippery surfaces. The strike, part of ongoing wage talks, is also expected to disrupt winter maintenance across the region.
The Verdi union has called for warning strikes in Schleswig-Holstein as wage negotiations continue. These strikes, announced for February 3, 2026, are part of a broader action affecting 14 of Germany's 16 federal states—only Bavaria and Saxony remain unaffected. Verdi and dbb are pushing for a 7% pay rise, or at least €300 more per month, for around 2.2 million public-sector workers nationwide.
The strike will impact key services, including state construction, coastal protection, university hospitals, and government offices. Even the Multimar Wattforum marine centre will face disruptions. With winter maintenance crews reduced, rural roads may receive less attention, raising concerns about black ice, particularly in the early morning.
To ease risks, road maintenance teams will prioritise hazardous areas where possible. The LBV, the state's road authority, has also agreed on emergency services with Verdi to keep essential operations running. The next round of wage talks is set for February 11 in Potsdam.
The combination of freezing weather and reduced road maintenance could make driving dangerous on Thursday. Authorities have urged caution, while the strike highlights the ongoing dispute over public-sector pay. Further negotiations will resume next week in Potsdam.