Summary: Strike Alert for Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Unions have announced a warnstreik (warning strike) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The action, called by unions involved in public sector collective bargaining, may lead to school closures and other service disruptions across the state. Authorities report planned demonstrations in Schwerin and Rostock ahead of the next tariff talks.
According to the information released during the bargaining process, the strike could affect schools, universities, university hospitals and road offices in several locations. The second tariff round is scheduled to take place in Potsdam on Thursday and Friday. Unions are demanding a seven percent pay increase or at least 300 euros per month; the employers have so far rejected this demand.
Who and which services may be affected
The education ministry of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has confirmed that collectively employed teachers may participate in the warnstreik, which can lead to absences and to individual schools cancelling lessons. Parents should expect possible disruptions to normal school operations on Wednesday.
Institutions named in announcements
- Schools across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (possible lesson cancellations)
- Universities in the state
- University hospitals in Rostock and Greifswald
- Road construction and maintenance offices in Stralsund and Neustrelitz
- Other public-sector employees represented in the Länder tariff negotiations
Advice for parents and students
The Ministry for Education in MV advises parents to check directly with their child’s school for the latest information on supervision and lessons. Schools may provide specific instructions about whether classes will take place or be cancelled due to teacher absences.
- Contact your school or watch official school messages for updates about Wednesday.
- Make childcare arrangements in case lessons are cancelled or reduced.
- Prepare for possible partial closures or changed schedules rather than a uniform decision across the state.
- Follow local news and school communication channels for latest local reports and guidance.
Why this strike is happening: tariff negotiations
The warnstreik is part of ongoing collective bargaining for public-sector employees in the German Länder. Negotiations began in December 2025 and continue into 2026, with another bargaining round planned for February. The unions set out their demands ahead of the next round in Potsdam, and the warning strikes are intended to increase pressure ahead of those talks.
Demands and employer position
Unions are demanding a pay increase of seven percent or a minimum of 300 euros per month for employees covered by the Länder tariffs. Employers have rejected this demand so far, which has led to the organization of warning strikes and demonstrations to support the negotiations.
Weather and strike overlap — what to watch for
Local reports note that weather-related school absences (for example during heavy snow) can overlap with strike-related disruptions. In cases of extreme weather, parents have previously been able to decide whether to send their children to school; this may coincide with strike-related cancellations, making local guidance from schools particularly important.
| Possible reason for disruption | What it means |
|---|---|
| Warnstreik (strike) | Teachers and other public-sector staff may be absent; some schools and services may be cancelled or reduced. |
| Severe weather (e.g. snow) | Parents may be advised or allowed to keep children at home; transport and access to schools may be affected. |
| Advice | Check with your school and local reports for the combined impact of strike action and weather conditions. |
