Widespread Strikes Disrupt Munich Public Transport and Lufthansa Flights in Baden-Württemberg

On February 12, 2026, labor strikes severely disrupted public transport in Munich and aviation services in Baden-Württemberg, reflecting broader demands for better wages and working conditions in Germany's public sector.

In Munich, the Verdi union called a full-day warning strike affecting most public transport, including the U-Bahn, trams, and buses until 3:30 AM the next day. The Munich Transport Company (MVG) reported that only a fraction of bus services operated, mostly by private companies not participating in the strike. Trams on lines 20 and 25 were running, but the U-Bahn was entirely shut down except for special services catering to FC Bayern football fans traveling to a match against RB Leipzig. The S-Bahn remained operational but faced limitations due to planned construction from 10:20 PM. Verdi's demands include a monthly wage increase of €668.75, a 35-hour workweek with full pay, and higher bonuses for weekend shifts. Employers labeled these demands unrealistic given municipal budget constraints, offering a 5% salary increase over two years instead.

Simultaneously, Lufthansa pilots went on strike impacting flights at Stuttgart airport and other key airports serving Baden-Württemberg. The strike centers on disputes over pension plans, shuttering airport operations and further compounding the region's transportation difficulties.

Amid these industrial actions, public demonstrations in Baden-Württemberg also called for better pay within the public sector, emphasizing the growing tensions over labor rights and compensation. These events added to an already challenging day with traffic disruptions due to a truck accident on Autobahn A5 near Heidelberg.

The strikes and related public sector unrest underscore ongoing negotiations and pressures within Germany’s labor market as employees push for meaningful pay increases and improved working conditions. Transport disruptions in Munich and air travel interruptions in Baden-Württemberg are a snapshot of nationwide calls for reform.