Overview of the strikes
This week, Germany is seeing intensified warnstreiks affecting hospitals, schools, universities and daycares as part of the TV-L collective bargaining round for 2026. Around 2.6 million public sector employees covered by the state-level agreement are involved. Trade unions such as ver.di and GEW are pushing for higher pay and better working conditions, while employers have proposed only moderate, staged increases. The result: widespread disruptions to medical services, education and childcare in several regions.
Key facts at a glance
- Who: ver.di and GEW leading warnstreiks under the TV-L negotiations.
- When: intensified actions this week (notably 9–10 February 2026) with prior actions from 2–6 February and a negotiation round planned for 11–13 February in Potsdam.
- Where: nationwide with notable impacts in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Hamburg, Kiel and Bavaria including university hospitals in major cities.
- What: school closures, daycare disruptions, postponed operations and reduced hospital services under emergency staffing agreements (Notdienst).
Who is involved and what they want
The main actors are public-sector unions (ver.di and GEW), employees at Universitätskliniken (university hospitals), schools, Hochschulen (universities), student services and municipal facilities. Negotiations take place under the TV-L framework, which covers state employees. Unions demand a pay rise of seven percent or at least €300 per month, higher shift allowances for night and weekend work, and measures to address chronic staff shortages and working conditions.
Demands and employer response
- Unions: 7% wage increase or min. €300 monthly, better shift premiums, improved staffing and working conditions.
- Employers: propose moderate, staggered rises over a longer period (through 2028) and no concrete immediate offer; they argue limited room for larger increases.
- Stalemate: unions say employer proposals do not cover inflation losses or make the sector more attractive to recruit staff.
Impact on hospitals and medical care
University hospitals have been hit hard by warnstreiks. In several cities planned operations were postponed to protect emergency and critical care. Strikes try to respect Notdienst agreements, meaning emergency and urgent care remain available, but elective surgeries, some diagnostic services and outpatient appointments can be delayed or cancelled. Clinics must balance staff participation in strikes with legal and ethical duties to patients.
What patients should know
- Check with your hospital or clinic before attending for scheduled procedures or appointments.
- Assume elective surgeries may be postponed and ask your provider for rescheduling information.
- For emergencies, call the local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department—Notdienst arrangements aim to keep urgent care open.
- If you depend on regular treatments (e.g., dialysis), confirm that your service will continue or whether contingency plans are in place.
Examples from recent actions: university clinics in Rostock and Greifswald ran strikes that required postponing scheduled operations; in Greifswald some OP nursing and anaesthesia staff were partly excluded from strike action to keep key services running, but the clinic still criticized the strikes as disproportionate. In Nordrhein-Westfalen all six university hospitals (Aachen, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Essen, Köln and Münster) held full-day strikes while keeping agreed emergency services.
Impact on schools, universities and daycare
Schools and daycares experienced closures and staff shortages during earlier strike days. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, for example, staff at schools such as Pestalozzi-Grundschule in Torgelow, the Schule ‘Am Park’ in Behrenhoff, Ostseeschule in Wismar and the Regional School in Dorf Mecklenburg stopped work, leading to lesson cancellations. Some locations organized emergency care for children. Universities and student services also face disruptions including cancelled classes and reduced services at student welfare organizations.
Advice for parents and students
- Keep children home if classes are cancelled and arrange alternative childcare where possible.
- Contact schools or universities for information on emergency supervision, catch-up lessons and exam planning.
- Students should check university portals and student services for updates on teaching, libraries and student welfare offices.
- Plan ahead for childcare and school absences; employers and schools may provide guidance on documentation.
In Hamburg and Kiel workers in schools, universities and public authorities took action between 2 and 5 February, and further targeted actions are planned in Bavaria (including Munich) and other states. Parents, students and staff should expect intermittent closures, reduced lessons and changes to exam or practical schedules.
Regional snapshots
| Region | Dates | Facilities affected | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | Early February (2–6 Feb) and ongoing | Schools and regional schools (e.g., Torgelow, Wismar) | Lesson cancellations, some emergency childcare organised |
| Rostock & Greifswald | Strikes through early February (Greifswald until midweek, Rostock until Friday) | University hospitals | Postponed operations, partial exclusions for anaesthesia and OP nursing to maintain key services |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 4 February (notable action) | Six university hospitals (Aachen, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Essen, Köln, Münster) | Full-day strikes with Notdienst maintained, reduced elective services |
| Hamburg & Kiel | 2–5 February (Hamburg), 2–4 February (Kiel) | Schools, universities, public authorities | Service interruptions and staff absences |
| Bavaria (e.g., Munich) | Planned actions 9–10 February and ongoing | University hospitals, universities, state theatres, student services | Possible cancellations and service constraints |
| Summary | Nationwide disruptions across health care and education with regional variations; emergency services largely preserved under Notdienst agreements. | ||
How residents can prepare
Strikes can create short-term but significant challenges. Preparing ahead reduces stress and helps vulnerable people receive necessary care. Planning is especially important if you have upcoming medical appointments, rely on daily treatments, or need childcare.
Practical tips
- Contact hospitals or clinics before traveling for planned procedures; confirm if appointments are on.
- Ask your GP or clinic about alternatives if treatments are postponed.
- Arrange backup childcare or flexible work options if schools or Kitas close.
- Follow local authority and employer guidance about absence reporting and emergency care options.
- Monitor local news and official channels for updates on public transport and further warnstreiks.
What to expect next
With negotiations scheduled for 11–13 February in Potsdam, unions see warnstreiks as pressure to secure concrete offers. Employers are signalling only gradual increases, leaving the dispute unresolved for now. Further strike days, including additional actions in public transport and other services, are possible if talks do not progress.
Some clinics and employers have criticised the proportionality of strikes and are coordinating legal steps. Municipalities, while not directly bound by some state-level agreements, face financial and operational strain from repeated disruptions. Residents should stay informed about negotiation outcomes and service notices over the coming weeks.
