Strike chaos in Bochum: buses and trains stand still!

Strike chaos in Bochum: buses and trains stand still!

On Monday, February 10, 2025, a comprehensive warning strike took place in Bochum at the BoGestra. No buses and trains were operated in the BoGestra operating area throughout the day. This comprehensive suspension of the traffic also affected trips by external companies that are used on behalf of the BOGESTRA. Due to the warning strike, neither the mobility guarantee nor the punctuality promises apply.

The customer centers were closed on this day and all operating facilities and tunnel systems were guarded for security reasons. Customers were available for information under the free service number 0800 6 50 40 30. The situation was a direct reaction to the unsuccessful round of negotiations between the ver.di union and those responsible in Potsdam.

Lack of personnel in local transport

The ver.di union, which organized the strike, denounces the dramatic personnel situation in the local transport companies. A significant shortage of suitable employees and the fact that only a few applications are received causing the existing employees to work on the limit. The warning strike was therefore not only geared towards financial claims, but also aimed at noticeably relieving the employees.

The Ruhrbahn and the Ver were not affected by the strike measures. Nevertheless, there were considerable impairments in local transport in several regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, including Bochum. In other cities in the state, such as Witten, Herten and Herne, traffic was also restricted, which underlines the need for the strike.

steps into the future

The warning strikes that took place in several federal states are part of a broader movement in the public service. Among other things, they call for a wage increase of 8 percent, at least 350 euros more per month and three additional vacation days for all employees. Apprentices should receive an additional 200 euros per month, and higher surcharges for particularly stressful jobs, such as in the health sector, are required.

The current strikes are an expression of grievances that affect more than 2.5 million employees nationwide. The Federal Ministry of the Interior leads the number of collective staff to municipal employers to 2.6 million. In the coming days, further strikes will be planned that could significantly influence mobility in various regions of Germany. It remains to be seen whether the negotiations open up new ways and improve the situation in the local transport area.