Saxony-Anhalt transport strike cripples cities as wage talks stall for third day
A public transport strike in Saxony-Anhalt has entered its third day, bringing buses and trams to a halt across major cities. Andreas Silbersack, leader of the FDP in the state, has accused the ver.di trade union of deliberately paralysing daily life as wage negotiations drag on. The walkout, now affecting Magdeburg, Halle, Dessau, and Burgenland district, is set to last until Monday morning.
The strike began on March 19, 2026, marking the latest in a series of recent walkouts. Earlier in February, warning strikes disrupted services in Magdeburg, Halle, and Burgenland district. This time, ver.di's action has extended longer, with no immediate end in sight.
Silbersack criticised the union's tactics, claiming it was using the entire state as leverage in pay talks. He acknowledged the right to strike but argued that crippling public transport for days went too far. The FDP leader warned that repeated disruptions risked harming Saxony-Anhalt's economy, potentially discouraging investment and job growth.
In response, Silbersack urged ver.di to return to negotiations instead of escalating the conflict. He stressed that students, commuters, and businesses were bearing the brunt of the shutdown. The union, however, has yet to signal a shift in its approach.
The strike will continue until at least Monday, leaving thousands without transport. If no agreement is reached, further disruptions could follow. The economic and social impact of the stoppage remains a growing concern for local leaders.
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