Trams in Zagreb. Photo: Shutterstock Zagreb is facing another day of severe public transport disruption after workers at the city's ZET transport company and Zagreb Holding went on strike Monday.
Mayor Tomislav Tomašević said on Monday evening, September 28, that the strike was expected to continue Tuesday, September 29, while thanking residents for adapting their travel plans and helping the city avoid the traffic problems that had been feared.
The strike began at 3:30 a.m. Monday after negotiations between the unions and the management of ZET and Zagreb Holding failed to produce an agreement. The dispute concerns wages, material benefits and new collective agreements.
Public transport was almost completely halted during the first day. According to Zagreb's official information, only two trams and one bus were operating at one point, while the city's funicular continued to run normally.
Regular household waste collection was also suspended, although a limited number of Čistoća workers and trucks continued collecting waste from hospitals, kindergartens and other priority locations.
Tomašević said residents had largely followed recommendations to avoid unnecessary journeys, share cars and use bicycles or walk where possible. Traffic was nevertheless about 15% heavier than usual during parts of Monday, according to Zagreb Holding.
The mayor has urged residents to expect heavier traffic during the morning and afternoon peaks on Tuesday and to continue avoiding unnecessary car journeys.
He has also asked employers to allow employees to work from home where possible or adjust working hours to reduce pressure on Zagreb's roads.
The dispute has also centered on the number of employees who should continue working during a strike to maintain essential services. Tomašević has criticized the unions for proceeding before the arbitration was finished, while the unions have continued to push for improved pay and working conditions.
For travelers, the immediate impact is straightforward: Zagreb's normal tram and bus network cannot be relied upon while the strike continues. ZET is advising passengers to follow official updates and check for any partially restored services.
The second day of the strike is now expected to bring another difficult morning commute, with residents and visitors urged to allow substantially more time for journeys and consider alternatives to public transport.
As reported earlier today, France is also expected to be hit by a general strike in the public sector today, September 29, with expected disruptions to public services and the transportation system.