1. Quick overview: What changed for Friday, 27 February 2026
On Friday, 27 February 2026, Brandenburg temporarily lifted the school presence requirement because of a warning strike in public transport (ÖPNV). Schools in Brandenburg remain open, but families were given flexibility: parents may decide whether the commute is reasonable and keep children at home if necessary. In Berlin, the education authority did not announce a general suspension of school attendance and is waiting for further consultations.
Key facts for Brandenburg
The Brandenburg Ministry of Education suspended the legal obligation to attend school for that Friday while keeping schools open. Teachers and pedagogical staff were still required to be present to provide on-site instruction for classes where students can attend.
- Schools remain open and staffed by teachers and pedagogical staff.
- Parents choose whether their child should make the journey, taking local transport conditions into account.
- Students who stay home are considered excused if the school is informed in time.
Key facts for Berlin
The Berlin Senate administration for education did not declare a blanket suspension of school attendance for the same day. Berlin officials said they were awaiting further consultations and, at the time of the announcement, did not plan a general exemption from attendance rules.
2. Practical consequences for families, pupils and schools
The temporary change in Brandenburg aims to balance safety and continuity. It creates flexibility for families but also requires planning by schools and parents to manage lessons, supervision and after-school care.
| Aspect | Brandenburg (27 Feb 2026) | Berlin (27 Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Presence requirement | Temporarily lifted for students | No general suspension |
| School opening | Schools open; staff present | Schools open; normal rules apply |
| Parent decision | Parents may keep children home if commute unreasonable | Parents expected to follow normal attendance rules |
| Distance learning | Can be offered by schools | No general change indicated |
| Situation relates to warning strike in public transport (ÖPNV) on Friday and Saturday | ||
What teachers and schools must do
Teachers and pedagogical staff in Brandenburg were required to be on site and either teach normally in class or provide alternative on-site activities. If pupils stay home, teachers must provide work or tasks for home learning. Schools were also allowed to offer distance learning where feasible.
What parents and students should know
Parents in Brandenburg were asked to assess the local transport situation and decide whether the school commute is reasonable for their children. If a parent keeps a child at home, they should inform the school in a timely manner so the absence is recorded as excused.
3. Background: The warning strike and its aims
The warning strike in the public transport system was announced by the union Verdi for Friday and Saturday, affecting local transport services. The industrial action is part of a tariff dispute between Verdi and the municipal employers in Brandenburg.
What Verdi is demanding
- Shorter weekly working hours for employees.
- Regulated shift structures to reduce burdens.
- Longer rest breaks between shifts.
These demands follow earlier strikes in early February and are intended to improve working conditions for public transport workers. The resulting disruption to buses and trains prompted authorities in Brandenburg to grant temporary leeway for school attendance.
4. Practical tips and final notes
If you are a parent, teacher or school administrator, a little preparation can reduce stress on strike days. Check local transport updates, communicate early with your school, and plan for supervision or learning at home if needed.
Simple checklist for families and schools
- Confirm whether your school has issued specific instructions for the day.
- If keeping a child at home, inform the school promptly so the absence is excused.
- Ask teachers for assignments or resources for home study.
- Plan childcare or after-school care alternatives if regular Horte (after-school care) arrangements are affected.
- Stay informed about further announcements from local authorities.
Sources and scope
This summary is based on official announcements and regional reporting about the 27 February 2026 warning strike and its effects on school attendance in Brandenburg and Berlin. Five valid sources on this specific topic were available in the search results; ten additional sources could not be included.
