Commuters and residents of Stuttgart are bracing for significant disruptions as the public transportation strike intensifies across the region. On March 13 and 14, 2025, the union ver.di has called for extensive work stoppages affecting not only public transport but also municipal services, putting pressure on employers during the wage negotiations for federal and municipal employees.
The call to strike follows the second round of tariff negotiations held on February 17 and 18, 2025, which resulted in no proposals from employers. According to ver.di, employers have suggested term agreements of three years with minimal wage increases, and, disturbingly for many workers, some regional associations indicated they might implement a complete "zero round"—a phrase denoting no wage increase at all. The union is determined to show strength heading back to the negotiating table for the third round scheduled for March 14.
Workers are rallying across the city as the strike looms closer. Ver.di emphasizes the importance of making their voices heard, stating, "This is not justifiable; we must put pressure on employers to act!"
The public transport services, including Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB), will be particularly hard hit. On March 13, 2025, services including buses, trains, and ancillary services like SSB Flex and the cable car services will not operate from the start to the end of the day. Notably, the night buses running overnight from Thursday to Friday will also be suspended. While several lines operated by private bus companies—specifically lines 53 through 99—will continue to run, it has been confirmed line 91 will not operate due to vehicle shortages.
Adding to the chaos, customer service, lost-and-found services, and customer centers will be closed, leaving many commuters without assistance. The impact of these disruptions resonates beyond public transport to local municipal operations.
Abfallwirtschaft Stuttgart (AWS)—the city's waste management authority—has also announced service disruptions. Citizens are encouraged to store their waste and recyclables temporarily next to their containers using tear-resistant bags until regular collection resumes following the strike. AWS has urged residents to package their paper waste and larger items properly to assist their workers during collection. They noted, "We will collect the extra waste caused by the strike free of charge where possible."
Several demonstrations and meetings are scheduled to occur during these strike days. Union leaders anticipate significant participation, with many gathering at the Gewerkschaftshaus Stuttgart at 9 AM on March 13 to begin strike activities. The marches will commence at 11 AM, culminating with speeches from prominent figures like Christine Behle, Deputy Chairwoman of ver.di.
The strike action extends beyond Stuttgart; surrounding regions are also feeling the effects. For example, areas like Böblingen, Rems-Murr, and Ludwigsburg will see various municipal functions ceasing operations, including kindergartens and city offices. Strikes are also planned on March 12, with public services temporarily halted across regions such as Fils-Neckar-Alb, Rhein-Neckar, and Ulm from March 12-14.
Ver.di’s demands reflect the growing urgency for improved conditions and compensation among public service employees, requesting not only higher wages—an eight percent raise or at least 350 euros more per month—but also additional benefits like three extra days off.
Despite the union's proactive position, employers have contested these requests as financially untenable. Dealing with 2.5 million employees affected by the proposed reform, negotiations promise to be contentious. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, representing the federal government, promised meaningful discussions aimed at finding reasonable solutions for the employees.
Transportation systems across multiple regions will resume regular schedules by March 14, 2025, but residual effects from the strike will likely continue to disrupt normal services as AWS has indicated it will take time to clear additional waste collected post-strike.
Union representatives and workers alike are asking the public for patience and support during this challenging period. Many are hopeful the pressure from strikes will help lead to satisfactory negotiation outcomes for worker compensation and working conditions moving forward.