The union ver.di has called for warning strikes in the state public sector in Baden-Württemberg this Monday, February 9, 2026. The actions are mainly concentrated in the cities of Stuttgart and Heilbronn, with around 750 employees taking part in the strikes. The mobilizations aim to press for a 7% salary increase, with a minimum of 300 euros per month, in addition to improvements for interns.
The strikes affect several state institutions in both cities. Em Stuttgart, all organizations linked to the state government face interruptions, including universities, ministries and the local parliament. Já in Heilbronn, psychiatric centers, higher education institutions and regional offices register significant adherence.
Salary negotiations for the public sector in the German states remain ongoing. The third round is scheduled for February 11th to 13th on Potsdam, and the strikes seek to reinforce demands before this decisive meeting.
Affected institutions in Stuttgart
In Stuttgart, the strike affects a wide spectrum of state public services. Universidades and technical colleges suspend administrative activities, while student support organizations also partially stop. Ministérios, the state parliament and agencies such as Instituto Nacional of Estatística face reduced attendance.
In addition, cultural and leisure sites suffer direct impacts. Zoológico Wilhelma, Galeria Estadual and Teatro Estadual called their employees to strike. Essas institutions remain open to the public, but with limited operations due to the absence of staff.
Membership involves workers from different administrative areas. Técnicos and support employees in state agencies actively participate, reinforcing the pressure for better salary conditions.
Outages recorded in Heilbronn
Heilbronn concentrates strikes in healthcare and higher education institutions. Centro of Psiquiatria of Weinsberg, with a branch in Schwäbisch Hall, records team strikes. The Instituto Estadual of Ensino and Pesquisa in Viticultura and Fruticultura also suspend activities.
Local universities and student unions join the mobilization. Funcionários from the health insurer AOK in the regions of Heilbronn and Neckar-Odenwald take part in the strike. Escola Lindenpark to Surdos faces interruptions in administrative services.
Other regional sectors join the action. Técnicos topography of the Neckar-Odenwald district office stop, as well as customer service centers in Ulm-Biberach. A march through the city center brought together around 200 participants.
The demonstration included a rally and walk organized by ver.di. Workers demonstrated unity in defense of investments in public services.
Demands from the ver.di union
ver.di demands a 7% monthly increase for all workers in the state public sector. The proposal includes a minimum floor of 300 euros to strengthen lower-paid groups. Estagiários receive a specific demand for an increase of 200 euros per month.
These requirements aim to compensate for recent inflationary losses. The union argues that investments in wages strengthen purchasing power and prevent the economic crisis from worsening. Regional director, Maike Schollenberger, highlighted the need to prioritize people rather than unilateral cuts.
The negotiations cover approximately 110 thousand direct workers in Baden-Württemberg. Outros 194 thousand public employees are indirectly affected by the result. Setores as mental health employ around 10 thousand people in seven regional centers.
- Increase of 7% or minimum of 300 euros per month;
- Additional 200 euros for interns;
- Strengthening low-paying groups;
- Maintaining strong public service.
Upcoming actions in other cities
ver.di plans to extend the strikes to other regions in the coming days. On Tuesday, Tübingen, Karlsruhe, Mannheim and Heidelberg receive calls for strikes. In Tübingen, service centers in the neighboring districts of Reutlingen and Esslingen stop.
Karlsruhe concentrates shares in Instituto of Tecnologia and in Centro of Psiquiatria Calw. Sede regional government and local theater also face disruptions. Funcionários from AOK in nearby regions joins the mobilization.
In Heidelberg and Mannheim, universities and associated institutions suspend services. PZN Wiesloch, Zi Mannheim and Universidade Tecnológica actively participate. Trabalhadores of organizations such as Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund and Leibniz institutes join the strike.
These actions maintain continued pressure ahead of the decisive round of negotiations. The union coordinates regional mobilizations to maximize impact.
Context of salary negotiations
Negotiations for the states’ collective agreement (TV-L) began in December 2025. Duas previous rounds did not reach consensus, leading to the escalation of warning strikes. The third meeting on Potsdam represents a final opportunity for agreement before tougher measures.
Baden-Württemberg has a large number of affected employees. The state has a broad administrative structure, including higher education and mental health. The strikes highlight the importance of the public sector in the regional economy.
Workers seek adjustments compatible with accumulated inflation. ver.di argues that adequate wages support consumption and avoid a deeper recession. Mobilizações occur in local time, with no impact on different time zones.
Impact on state services
Strikes cause occasional interruptions in administrative services. Universidades maintain classes, but support services face limitations. Centros Psychiatrists prioritize emergencies during shutdowns.
Cultural venues like Zoológico Wilhelma operate with reduced staff. Visitantes are partially operational on strike days. Teatros and state galleries adjust programs according to membership.
AOK regional offices redirect calls. Clientes receive guidance for digital channels during the period. Ações seek to minimize inconvenience to the essential public.
The mobilizations reinforce the debate on valuing public service. Funcionários highlight daily contributions in critical areas such as education and health.
