Host Nation Update, December 2, 2024
More Strikes at SWEG: These Regions Are Affected
The labor union ver.di has once again called for strikes in regional public transportation. Bus and train services in many parts of the state are expected to experience disruptions.
If you plan to use buses and trains operated by SWEG (Southwest German Transport Company) this week, you may need to find alternative transportation. The labor union ver.di has announced work stoppages in parts of Baden-Württemberg from Monday morning to Wednesday evening. The affected routes include the Rhein-Neckar, Fils-Neckar-Alb, Ulm-Oberschwaben, Heilbronn-Neckar-Franken, and South Baden regions, according to the union.
Ver.di anticipates “significant disruptions” in operations, similar to those during the previous strikes. Strikes at SWEG have already occurred in mid-October and on November 6 and 7.
What Ver.di is Demanding for SWEG Employees
The renewed strikes aim to increase pressure on employers ahead of the third round of negotiations for the new Railway Collective Agreement (ETV), scheduled for this Thursday. According to ver.di, the goal is to make it clear to employers that wage adjustments are necessary and that the contract duration should be shorter.
During the second round of negotiations on November 11, employers presented what ver.di described as an “entirely inadequate” initial offer. Ver.di is demanding a monthly salary increase of €350 starting in October 2024, with a 12-month contract term, as well as an inflation bonus of up to €1,300. However, only €600 has been offered so far.
The ETV negotiations involve wages and salaries for approximately 5,500 employees across six federal states: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Rhineland-Palatinate. The negotiations affect bus operators, regional rail transport, and freight railways.
In Baden-Württemberg, the SWEG and AVG (Albtal Transport Company) are among the companies included under the ETV. The AVG was also targeted during the first two rounds of negotiations, though it reported only isolated service disruptions at the time. (December 2, 2024, SWR Aktuell)
Job Cuts at Bosch: IG Metall Provides Update on the Current Situation
Bosch is taking aggressive steps to cut costs, planning thousands of job cuts. Employees at the Abstatt site are particularly concerned, and IG Metall is stepping in to address their fears.
Uncertainty Looms Over Bosch Employees
How many positions will be eliminated, and in which areas? These questions are weighing heavily on employees of the automotive supplier and technology company. At the Abstatt site in the Heilbronn district, uncertainty remains high.
A recent works council meeting left many questions unanswered. To shed light on the situation, IG Metall Heilbronn-Neckarsulm is holding a press conference in Neckarsulm on Monday. The union’s position is clear: “We demand genuine prospects for the future and innovation instead of unimaginative job cuts. The transformation of the automotive industry can only succeed with the involvement of employees.”
Concerns Escalate at Abstatt
At the works council meeting on November 26, employees voiced their frustrations, raising numerous questions to management. According to the works council, the mood at the Abstatt site is grim, with workers uncertain about their future.
Bosch Plans to Cut Thousands of Jobs Globally
The company aims to eliminate up to 5,550 positions worldwide in the coming years. The software and vehicle computer division, Cross-Domain Computing Solutions, is among the most affected sectors.
Bosch reports lower-than-expected sales of intelligent driver assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies, leading to plans to cut 3,500 jobs in this division alone—half of them in Germany. Abstatt is one of the German sites affected. Weak demand for electric vehicles is also exacerbating the company’s challenges.
Job Security in Abstatt Until 2027
For now, the company describes these figures as part of ongoing planning and negotiations with employee representatives. At Abstatt, an agreement reached last year ensures no compulsory redundancies in the automotive supply sector in Germany until the end of 2027.
Protests Planned in Abstatt
Helmut Meyer, head of the works council, is calling on Bosch’s leadership to discuss the future of the Abstatt site. In addition to the planned cuts, employees at Bosch Engineering in Abstatt have been working reduced hours—37 instead of 40—at lower pay since October.
This week, a protest is planned in Abstatt to oppose the company’s cost-cutting measures.
The coming weeks will be critical as negotiations continue and employees await clearer answers about the future of their roles and the broader impact on Bosch’s operations. (December 2, 2024, Alexander Dambach SWR Aktuell)
The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Baden-Württemberg 2024
Mulled wine, the aroma of roasted almonds, and twinkling lights: The Christmas markets in Baden-Württemberg are open once again, each offering its own unique charm.
The festive season is in full swing across the state, with Christmas markets bringing joy to every corner of Baden-Württemberg. Whether you’re looking to enjoy mulled wine, punch, or gingerbread in a new setting, or hoping to discover a market outside your own region, this guide has you covered.
For those with wanderlust, venturing beyond the state borders is also worthwhile to experience even more enchanting Christmas markets. Stay tuned for highlights and recommendations! (November 25, 2024, SWR Aktuell)
Aalen-Wasseralfingen: Luminous Splendor in the Mine
A Christmas market with a unique twist awaits visitors in Aalen (Ostalbkreis), as it takes place underground. The “Tiefer Stollen” visitor mine in the Wasseralfingen district will be illuminated with countless lights and decorated with market stalls over four days in December. Trains will regularly shuttle visitors in and out of the mine. Due to the market’s popularity, the city advises guests to expect longer wait times. Note: Admission is required.
Key Information: Tiefer Stollen Christmas Market in Aalen-Wasseralfingen 2024
- Dates: December 5–8
- Opening Hours:
- Thursday and Friday: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.)
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.)
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.)
Bad Wimpfen: Germany’s Oldest Christmas Market
Dating back to 1487, when Emperor Frederick III granted the former Imperial City of Wimpfen the right to hold a pre-Christmas market, the Altdeutsche Weihnachtsmarkt in Bad Wimpfen (Heilbronn District) boasts a historical charm. Its preserved old town attracts visitors from across borders, offering a festive atmosphere like no other.
Key Information: Altdeutsche Weihnachtsmarkt in Bad Wimpfen 2024
- Dates:
- November 29–December 1
- December 6–8
- December 13–15
- Opening Hours:
- Fridays: Noon to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Sundays: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Baden-Baden: Christmas Market with Carousel and Ferris Wheel
The Christkindelsmarkt in Baden-Baden enchants visitors with its scenic location in front of the Kurhaus, featuring live concerts, stalls, and attractions for children, including a special mini Ferris wheel and a carousel. Additionally, gourmet igloos provide a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.
Key Information: Christkindelsmarkt in Baden-Baden 2024
- Dates: November 21, 2024–January 6, 2025
- Opening Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Biberach: Performances on the Christmas Stage
The Christkindles-Markt in Biberach creates a magical Christmas village with 80 huts nestled in its medieval setting. Performances by choirs, kindergartens, and musicians fill the Christmas stage across 16 days, with special appearances by jesters. Children can also send letters to Santa at the market’s post office.
Key Information: Christkindles-Markt in Biberach 2024
- Dates: November 30–December 15, 2024
- Opening Hours:
- Daily: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesdays and Saturdays: From 10 a.m.
Hohenzollern Castle: “Royal Winter Magic”
The “Royal Winter Magic” event invites visitors to enjoy a festive atmosphere at Hohenzollern Castle (Zollernalbkreis). Though not a traditional market, the special exhibition includes glowing lights and mulled wine. Note: Entry is ticketed.
Key Information: Royal Winter Magic at Hohenzollern Castle 2024
- Dates: November 22, 2024–January 6, 2025
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: Until 9 p.m.