Widespread Strikes Hit German Hospitals and Transport Amid Public Sector Pay Dispute
BERLIN, 30 January 2026 – Germany is grappling with significant industrial action this week as thousands of public sector workers, led by the Verdi trade union, have walked out in a coordinated wave of warning strikes. The actions, primarily targeting university hospitals and Frankfurt Airport, come amid a deadlocked wage dispute for approximately 2.2 million public sector employees. Separately, a prolonged nationwide train drivers’ strike continues to paralyse rail travel.
Hospital Staff Walk Out Over Pay
Staff at more than 20 university hospitals across Germany staged warning strikes on Tuesday 27 January, demanding a 7% pay increase or a minimum monthly raise of €300. The Verdi union and the German Civil Servants Association (dbb) are representing workers who cite declining real wages and excessive workloads. Employers, primarily the federal states, have rejected the union’s opening demand and have yet to table a formal counter-offer. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for 11-13 February.
Transport Sector Disrupted
The industrial unrest has spread to critical transport hubs. The Verdi union has called approximately 6,000 ground staff at Frankfurt Airport, operated by Fraport, to strike on Thursday 29 January. The action is expected to cause major delays and cancellations for Lufthansa and other airlines. This follows a separate, ongoing six-day nationwide strike by the GDL train drivers’ union against Deutsche Bahn, which began on 24 January and has halted roughly 80% of long-distance rail services.
Broader Context of Labour Unrest
The strikes occur against a backdrop of national debate on labour reforms, including proposals to replace the rigid eight-hour workday with a more flexible weekly cap. Furthermore, Germany’s statutory minimum wage saw a significant increase at the start of 2026, rising to €13.90 per hour, with a further hike to €14.60 planned. Unions argue that public sector wages have not kept pace with inflation and the rising cost of living, justifying their demand for a substantial pay rise.
Key Facts & Figures
| Sector / Union | Key Demand & Impact |
|---|---|
| Public Sector (Verdi & dbb) | 7% pay rise or €300/month minimum increase for 2.2 million workers. Strikes at 20+ university hospitals. |
| Frankfurt Airport (Verdi) | ~6,000 Fraport ground staff on strike 29 Jan, causing major flight delays and cancellations. |
| Rail Network (GDL Union) | Six-day nationwide strike from 24 Jan, cancelling 80% of Deutsche Bahn long-distance trains. |
| National Minimum Wage | Increased to €13.90/hr (2026), rising to €14.60/hr later. Largest uprate since its introduction. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the striking workers demanding?
The Verdi union and the German Civil Servants Association are demanding a 7% wage increase, or at least an extra €300 per month, for public sector employees. They argue this is necessary to compensate for high inflation and increased workloads.
How is travel being affected?
Travel is severely disrupted on two fronts. A strike by ground staff at Frankfurt Airport is causing significant flight delays and cancellations. Separately, a six-day strike by train drivers has crippled the national rail network, with most long-distance and regional services cancelled since 24 January.
When will the strikes end?
The public sector warning strikes are temporary actions designed to pressure employers ahead of the next round of wage talks scheduled for 11-13 February. The train drivers’ strike by the GDL union is set to last for six days, ending on 29 January. Further industrial action is possible if negotiations fail.