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

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

We support the just demands of nearly 100,000 employees from over 150 transport companies who are fighting for better working conditions, more favorable distribution of working hours, adequate rest breaks and decent treatment. The accumulating pressure from long and arduous shifts, the constant staff shortages, and the deteriorating working environment threaten not only the health and safety of the workers, but also the overall quality and safety of the public transport service.

We categorically oppose employers' attempts to solve the staffing crisis through measures that further increase the burden on workers – prolonging shifts, cutting social benefits, and removing sickness compensations. Such short-term and short-sighted decisions deepen the crisis and undermine the sustainable development of the sector.

Developments in Germany find a direct reflection in Bulgaria as well. Over the past year, we have witnessed protests and serious disruptions in public transport triggered by chronic staff shortages, increasing workloads, low pay, and a lack of sustainable solutions. In 2025, the blockade of public transport in the city of Sofia lasted for six whole days, clearly demonstrating the depth of the problem. Present issues in the sector unequivocally prove that without real social dialogue, long-term policies, and targeted investments in people, transport systems remain highly vulnerable.

Federation of Transport Trade Unions shares the position that the transition to sustainable mobility is possible only in the presence of decent, secure, and well-organized employment. Public transport workers are the backbone of our cities and deserve respect, protection, and true social dialogue. We call on German employers and responsible institutions to enter into good faith and constructive negotiations with ver.di and to respond adequately to the demands of the workers.

The solidarity between transport workers knows no borders.
Today we support our colleagues in Germany – tomorrow it is a struggle for all of us.

Eng. Aleksandar Shopov
/President of FTTU/

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