Elbtunnel warning strike: traffic collapse in Hamburg from this evening!

Elbtunnel warning strike: traffic collapse in Hamburg from this evening!

In Hamburg, the traffic lights for the Elbe tunnel are yellow: From today at 6 p.m., the tunnel will only be accessible to a limited extent due to a planned warning strike by the ver.di union. The restrictions are expected to last 24 hours, which will have significant consequences for all drivers in the region. Instead of the usual three lanes in each direction, only two will be open, which, according to NDR, will lead to expected traffic jams on Autobahn 7 in both directions.

The reason for this escalation lies in the collective bargaining for the approximately 400,000 employees in the state's public sector. Finance Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD) has made an offer that includes wage increases of slightly more than the forecast inflation over a period of two and a half years. However, this offer met with massive criticism from the unions. Ver.di is calling for an increase of seven percent for one year to cushion the pressure of rising living costs.

Warning strikes and their effects

The warning strike is just the start of an announced expansion of work stoppages by the unions, which, as reported by ZDF, is aimed at all salaried employees in support of the overarching collective bargaining demands. The background is an unsuccessful second round of collective bargaining in Potsdam, in which the state employers did not submit a binding offer. Ver.di not only wants the required seven percent salary increase, but also a one-off payment of at least 300 euros per month for non-civil servant employees, in particular to increase the attractiveness of public professions.

Hamburg's Finance Senator Dressel is optimistic that progress could be made by February at the latest, when the next round of negotiations takes place. However, these negotiations could be accompanied by further warning strikes. Previous strikes have already led to significant disruptions in daycare centers, universities and clinics, which further underlines the urgency of reaching an agreement.

What's next?

After this warning strike, work will be stopped again in front of the Jann-Berghaus Bridge in Leer. There are also plans to hold a rally in front of the Ministry of Economics in Hanover to support the protests. Unions are preparing to expand warning strikes next week to increase pressure on employers. Time is running out - with the anticipation of the next round of negotiations, the fate of around 2.2 million public sector employees is also at stake.

For many Hamburg residents, today will be a test of patience. It remains to be seen whether traffic will really come to a standstill or whether citizens will plan proactively and look for alternatives. One thing is certain: the situation around the Elbe Tunnel could be of considerable importance not only for rush hour traffic, but also for the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.