Published: December 11 2023
A strike by bus drivers at Volánbusz, the provider of public bus transport in Hungary, has caused chaos and brought services to a halt. The strike began on Sunday and is expected to continue, with a significant increase in the number of cancelled services.
Reasons for the Strike
The bus drivers' union, Solidarity, initiated the strike due to stalled wage negotiations. The union is demanding a 25 percent wage increase by 2024, but Volánbusz Zrt. has not responded to this demand. The strike is seen as a way for the union to put pressure on the employer.
Impact of the Strike
On Sunday, 3,760 bus services were cancelled, and this number is expected to increase significantly on Monday. Up to 19,000 services could be cancelled in total. The strike has caused major disruption and chaos in Budapest, with public transportation grinding to a halt.
Union's Expectations
The president of the Solidarity bus transport union, István Dobi, expects a much bigger turnout and more cancelled services on Monday. The union aims to hit the employer and owner's table with a strong message by organizing the walkout.
Response from Volánbusz
Volánbusz claimed that the strike on the first day did not cause any chaos or major disruption. However, it is clear that the strike has had a significant impact on public transportation in Budapest.
Conclusion
The ongoing strike by bus drivers at Volánbusz has caused chaos in Budapest, with a large number of services being cancelled. The bus drivers' union is demanding a wage increase, and as negotiations have stalled, they have resorted to the strike as a means of putting pressure on the employer. The strike is expected to continue and further disrupt public transportation in the city.
Questions & Answers
What is causing chaos in Budapest? The strike by bus drivers at Volánbusz, which provides public bus transport between Hungary’s municipalities, is causing chaos in Budapest.
When did the bus drivers' strike in Budapest begin? The bus drivers' strike in Budapest began on Sunday.
How many services could be stopped on Monday due to the strike? Half of the services could be stopped on Monday due to the strike.
Who is leading the strike by bus drivers in Budapest? The strike is being led by István Dobi, the president of the Solidarity bus transport union.
How many services were cancelled on Sunday due to the strike? On Sunday, 3,760 services were cancelled due to the strike.
How many services are potentially going to be cancelled due to the strike on Monday? On Monday, up to 19,000 services are potentially going to be cancelled due to the strike.
What is the main reason for the strike by bus drivers in Budapest? The strike is necessary because wage negotiations have stalled and the union is demanding a 25 percent wage increase by 2024.
Has Volánbusz Zrt. responded to the union's demand for a wage increase? As of 24 November, Volánbusz Zrt. had not responded to the union's demand for a wage increase.
What did the union originally announce regarding the strike dates? The Solidarity bus transport union originally announced a two-day strike on 10 and 11 December.
Are maintenance workers participating in the strike as well? Yes, maintenance workers have also joined the strike.
Did the first day of the strike cause any chaos or major disruption? According to Volánbusz, the first day of the strike did not cause any chaos or major disruption.
