Die Verdi-Gewerkschaft hat weitere Städte in Nordrhein-Westfalen ausgerufen, in denen Streiks im öffentlichen Nahverkehr stattfinden werden. Am Dienstag, den 16. April 2024, werden Beschäftigte an mehreren Betriebshöfen dazu aufgerufen, ihre Arbeit niederzulegen. Betroffen sind unter anderem Geilenkirchen, der Rhein-Erft-Kreis, Mönchengladbach, Gelsenkirchen, Essen, Lüdenscheid, Bielefeld und Gütersloh.
Measures by Verdi include demands for relief and special payments for the approximately 30,000 employees in public transportation in NRW. These demands include relief days for all employees in public transport, the same location for starting and ending work, allowances for temporary higher-level tasks, shift and rotating shift allowances for drivers, 100% annual special payment, overtime pay from the first minute without deductions, and allowances for foremen/team leaders based on individual levels. These demands aim to address accumulated overtime due to staff shortages and high sick leave rates.
Verdis spokesperson emphasized that the strikes are intended to maintain pressure on employers to address concerns such as the lack of relief days and attract new staff to public transportation, especially in the context of the transition to more sustainable transportation options. The strikes are not directed at passengers but serve as a strategy to push for better working conditions and fair compensation for employees in the public transportation sector.