No agreement yet in wage dispute at HVV - Hamburger Hochbahn wage talks collapse as union rejects 30-month deal

Wage talks between Hamburger Hochbahn and the Verdi union have broken down without a deal. Both sides acknowledged some progress but failed to resolve key disagreements. Negotiations will now resume on 23 March, with no new strikes planned for the time being.

The dispute affects over 6,600 employees, following three strikes in February 2026 after the company's initial offer fell short of union demands.

Verdi had proposed a core pay rise of 3.4%, or at least €150 per month, for a 12-month agreement. The company countered with a phased increase of up to 8.1% spread over 30 months. The length of the contract became a major obstacle, with the union rejecting the extended term.

Gabriel Arndt, a Verdi secretary, criticised Hamburger Hochbahn's push for a longer deal. He also accused the company of presenting a previously agreed reduction in working hours as part of the pay offer. Saskia Heidenberger, the firm's lead negotiator, defended the proposal, arguing that a longer agreement would prevent future disruptions.

Hamburger Hochbahn insisted it had already made concessions during the latest talks. However, Verdi maintained that the wage offer remained insufficient. The union had previously warned of further strikes if no resolution was reached.

Both sides confirmed that discussions would continue later this month. For now, no additional walkouts have been announced, giving negotiations a temporary reprieve.

The wage dispute remains unresolved, with the duration of the agreement still dividing the two sides. Employees will wait to see if the next round of talks brings a breakthrough. Further strikes could still follow if no compromise is found by 23 March.