Trade union FNV and bus company EBS expect that about 50 to 60 percent of bus drivers will stop working tomorrow in connection with the relay strike in regional transport. Because it is very unclear which drivers will go on strike with which services, it is unclear what people who rely on public transport can expect.
“The drivers are on strike because of too much work pressure,” says a spokesperson for the FNV. “It’s not just about a higher salary, but also about job security, such as a permanent contract.”
According to the spokesperson, there is a high level of absenteeism due to the high workload among drivers. According to the organization, there would also be enough extra staff, but nobody wants to work due to a lack of permanent contracts. The union expects that 60 percent of drivers will not drive.
Ride here and there
The drivers who do have to drive will in any case have to work. “Everyone takes a ride here or there,” said a spokesperson for bus company EBS. As a result, the transport company hopes to allow 80 percent of the timetable to continue. “The timetable will then become a cheese hole.”
EBS only knows at the last minute whether a driver is driving the service or not. At that time, the service must be entered manually so that it can be clearly seen on 9292 and the signs at the stops. There is a delay and uncertainty, especially at the start of a shift, the information may not be correct.