FTTU is in solidarity with the strike of the German public transport!

DECLARATION
of the Federation of Transport and Trade Unions
in support of the strike actions of workers in the German public transport

The Federation of Transport and Trade Unions expresses its full and categorical solidarity with the members of the United Services Union ver.di in Germany and the workers in municipal public transport, who on February 2, 2026 conducted nationwide strike actions.

We support the just demands of nearly 100,000 employees from over 150 transport companies who are fighting to improve working conditions, better distribution of working hours, adequate breaks, and dignified treatment. The accumulating pressure from long and exhausting shifts, the constant staff shortages, and the deteriorating working environment threaten not only the health and safety of workers but also the quality and security of the public transport service as a whole.

We categorically oppose the attempts of employers to solve the staffing crisis through measures that further increase the burden on workers – extending shifts, cutting social benefits, and eliminating compensation during illness. Such short-term and short-sighted solutions deepen the crisis and undermine the sustainable development of the sector.

The development of events in Germany has a direct impact on Bulgaria. Over the past year, we have witnessed protests and severe upheavals in public transport caused by chronic staff shortages, increasing workloads, low pay, and lack of sustainable solutions. In 2025, the blockade of public transport in Sofia lasted an entire six days, clearly demonstrating the depth of the problem. The continuing issues in the sector unequivocally prove that without real social dialogue, long-term policies, and targeted investments in people, transport systems remain highly vulnerable.

The Federation of Transport and Trade Unions shares the position that the transition to sustainable mobility is only possible with dignified, secure, and well-organized employment. Public transport workers are the backbone of our cities and deserve respect, protection, and real social dialogue. We call on German employers and responsible institutions to initiate conscientious and constructive negotiations with ver.di and to respond adequately to the demands of the workers.

Solidarity among transport workers knows no boundaries.
Today, we support our colleagues in Germany – tomorrow, this is everyone's struggle.

Eng. Alexandar Shopov
/Chairman of FTTU/

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