Cologne’s public transport system is set to come to a standstill on February 21, 2025, as the Kölner Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB) employees participate in a full-day warning strike initiated by the Verdi union. The strike, beginning at 3 AM, will affect all city railway services within the KVB network, leading to significant disruptions for commuters across the city.
For the second time this month, KVB’s operations will be heavily impacted, as the workers respond to stalled tariff negotiations. The union’s call aims to demand improved pay and working conditions, reflecting the frustrations of around 35,000 KVB employees and their counterparts across various public services throughout North Rhine-Westphalia.
The KVB announced on their official channels, "From 3 AM on Friday until 3 AM on Saturday, there will be no city rail journeys by KVB. Only selected bus lines operated by subcontractors will continue their service during the strike." All other bus services will halt, significantly affecting local commuters who primarily rely on these modes of transport.
KVB lines 16 and 18, which are jointly operated with the Stadtwerke Bonn, will also be out of service. Commuters hoping to travel to Bonn are urged to seek alternative transportation methods, as these lines, integral to connecting Cologne and Bonn, will render them immobile.
For those with urgent travel plans between Cologne and Bonn, alternative regional trains remain available as services from Deutsche Bahn and other railway operators won't be affected by the strike. For example, the RB26, RB48, and RE5 trains can be utilized, starting at the Cologne Bonn Airport and running various routes to reach Bonn. The KVB has confirmed, "KVB tickets will still be valid on these regional connections within the relevant transit areas, allowing commuters to use these services without incurring additional costs."
This strike is necessary due to the unresolved status of negotiations. Despite two rounds of discussions earlier this month, no satisfactory offer has been presented to the union workers. According to Verdi’s secretary, Frank Michael Munkler, "The employees are massively disappointed. The absence of any proposals is seen as a significant disregard for their daily contributions. It appears the municipal employers lack realistic perceptions of the current situation.”
The disappointment among KVB staff is echoed by Christine Behle, deputy chairwoman of Verdi, who remarked on growing pressure within public transport sectors. "The situation for public transport employees is extraordinarily problematic. With insufficient personnel, workloads are on the rise, turning daily operations increasingly untenable."
Cologne residents are encouraged to share their experiences and potential workarounds during the strike period, demonstrating the community's resilience and adaptability amid the disruptions. With various transportation options available, such as S-Bahn and regional express services, commuters can still navigate their work and personal obligations during this challenging period. KVB management also noted, "During strikes, our mobility guarantee does not apply, which means those who face delays or service interruptions hold limited recourse for compensation.”
While the KVB strike signifies heightened tensions between the union and employers over pay disputes, it also paints a broader picture of challenges within the public transport sector. Workers assert the necessity for change as staffing shortages loom, with thousands approaching retirement and fewer new hires committing to the challenging roles. The long-term sustainability of efficient public transport hinges on resolving these employment issues through equitable negotiations.
Cologne’s commuters would do well to prepare for Friday's disruptions by considering alternative methods of travel, including public bicycles, shared e-scooters, and carpooling arrangements. The continued standoff between Verdi and KVB raises questions about the transport system’s future, emphasizing the importance of resolving these issues comprehensively to guarantee reliability and service for all.