As negotiations between public sector unions and employers enter a critical phase, Verdi is ramping up pressure with another nationwide warning strike.
On Thursday, March 14, thousands of municipal employees across Bavaria will walk off the job, affecting a wide range of public services in Munich. Those relying on city-run facilities should prepare for closures and disruptions.
What services in Munich will be affected?
According to the city, the strike will impact multiple sectors, including:
Education and childcare: municipal daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools
Public works and maintenance: road cleaning, gardening, and construction services
Social services: welfare offices and youth assistance programs
Healthcare: municipal hospitals and clinics (emergency services will be maintained)
Cultural institutions: music schools, theaters, and libraries
Waste management: garbage collection and recycling services (March 13–15)
Other affected institutions include the Munich employment agency, pension insurance offices, Helmholtz and Max Planck Institutes, and the Pfennigparade disability support network.
Parents face uncertainty as childcare services may close
Parents with children in municipal daycare centers and kindergartens are advised to check directly with their facility to confirm if it remains open or operates at reduced capacity.
In exceptional cases, alternative emergency childcare may be arranged if parents can prove they have no other options.
Waste collection and recycling services suspended
Due to the three-day strike by Munich’s waste management department (AWM), the following services will be temporarily shut down:
- Recycling centers
- Munich’s second-hand shop (Halle 2)
- Customer service and disposal facilities
- Hazardous waste and recycling pickup services
Expect significant delays in garbage collection, particularly for households scheduled for waste removal on strike days.
Employers criticize the strike’s impact on the public
The Association of Municipal Employers (VKA) has voiced frustration over the disruptions caused by Verdi’s strike actions.
“Work stoppages that disrupt childcare, healthcare, and public transport primarily hurt the citizens,” the VKA stated.
The union is demanding:
- An 8% salary increase (or at least €350 more per month)
- Higher bonuses for physically demanding jobs
- A €200 raise for apprentices and interns
- Three additional paid vacation days (four for union members)
Employers argue that additional paid leave days would strain public services, particularly in daycare centers and administrative offices.
With negotiations set to continue on Friday, March 15, it remains to be seen whether the government and unions can reach an agreement—or if more strikes will follow.
