Germany news: Strikes hit public transport across country

"The strike has begun, the chief negotiator of the trade union Verdi, Serat Canyurt, confirmed. Buses, trams, and subway trains are expected to remain in depots for 48 hours, with services scheduled to resume only at the start of operations on Sunday morning."

"In most regions, very few buses, trams, or subway trains are expected to operate. The strikes that began in the early hours of Friday could, depending on the area, continue into the early hours of Sunday."

"In Lower Saxony, an obligation not to strike remains in force until the end of March, meaning industrial action in local public transport is not permitted there until then."

Warning strikes have disrupted public transport across nearly all German federal states beginning Friday morning. Verdi union chief negotiator Serat Canyurt confirmed the strike's commencement. Buses, trams, and subway trains will remain in depots for 48 hours, with services resuming Sunday morning. Most regions expect minimal public transport operations during this period. Strike duration varies by area, potentially continuing into early Sunday hours. Lower Saxony maintains a strike prohibition through March, exempting local public transport from industrial action. The status of additional warning strikes in Baden-Württemberg remains undetermined.

Read at www.dw.com