Published: December 07 2023
The Hungarian state bus company, Volánbusz, has announced an official strike, which may cause disruptions to public transportation services in Budapest. This decision comes after failed wage negotiations between the union and Volánbusz.
Expansion of Bus Services
Volánbusz plans to slightly expand its bus services to improve accessibility to key locations such as job centers, educational institutions, health facilities, and government offices in district centers. The expansion will benefit areas including Albertirsa, Érsekhalma, Mogyoród, Szigetszentmiklós, Kalaznó, Závod, and other locations across the country. The expanded services will connect various regions, making travel easier in areas like Budapest-Balassagyarmat-Szécsény-Salgótarján, Vác-Kóspallag, and Érd-Százhalombatta.
Rail Transit Enhancements
Volánbusz also plans to introduce transfer options to and from trains on railway line 140. This change aims to optimize connections and improve overall rail services, particularly in Csongrád-Csanád County. In addition, a new bus station in Mezőkövesd, near the railway station, will facilitate travel for residents, making bus-train combinations to Budapest and Miskolc-Nyíregyháza more convenient.
Strike Decision and Wage Negotiations
The strike by the Volán workers' union is scheduled for December 10-11 and includes bus drivers, maintenance workers, and clerical workers. The strike has been deemed legal by the Budapest-Capital Regional Court, pending the employer's obligation to inform the public about the expected timetable at least two days prior to the strike. Commuters and authorities are waiting for further information on the impact of the strike and hope for a resolution between the workers' union and Volánbusz.
Conclusion
The strike announced by Volánbusz may disrupt public transportation services in Budapest. However, Volánbusz is also expanding bus services and making enhancements to rail transit to improve accessibility and connections. The outcome of the strike and wage negotiations remains to be seen, but commuters and authorities are hopeful for a speedy resolution.
Questions & Answers
What is the Hungarian state bus company called? The Hungarian state bus company is called Volánbusz.
Why has Volánbusz declared a strike? Volánbusz has declared a strike due to failed wage negotiations between the workers' union and the company.
When is the strike scheduled to take place? The strike is scheduled to take place on 10-11 December.
Which workers will participate in the strike? Bus drivers will participate in the strike on both days. Maintenance workers are expected to stop work on 11 December during the first and second shifts, and clerical workers reserve the right to join the strike on the same day.
Is the strike legal? The strike has been deemed legal by the Budapest-Capital Regional Court, confirming the legality of the planned walkout.
What does the court decision require the employer to do? The court decision requires the employer, Volánbusz, to inform the public about the expected timetable at least two days prior to the strike.
How will the strike impact public transportation services in Budapest? The strike has the potential to disrupt public transportation services in Budapest. Commuters and authorities are waiting for further information on the impact and hope for a swift resolution between the workers' union and Volánbusz.
Is Volánbusz planning any improvements to its services? Yes, Volánbusz plans to slightly expand its bus services to improve accessibility to key locations, such as job centers, educational institutions, health facilities, and government offices in district centers. They also plan to introduce transfer options to and from trains on railway line 140 to optimize connections and improve overall rail services.
Which regions in Hungary will benefit from the expanded bus services? The expanded bus services will benefit various regions in Hungary, including Albertirsa, Érsekhalma, Mogyoród, Szigetszentmiklós, Kalaznó, Závod, and several others. It will also connect regions such as Budapest-Balassagyarmat-Szécsény-Salgótarján, Vác-Kóspallag, Érd-Százhalombatta, and more.
What is the purpose of the new bus station in Mezőkövesd? The new bus station in Mezőkövesd, adjacent to the railway station, is expected to facilitate easier travel for residents. It aims to make bus-train combinations to Budapest and Miskolc-Nyíregyháza more convenient for commuters in the Mezőkövesd area.
