Zagreb strike halts trams, buses; court to rule on legality

A strike by ZET tram and bus workers and Čistoća sanitation employees began at 3:30 a.m. on Monday after collective agreements expired in March and May. Union leaders Vladimir Jozić and Mumin Hodžić confirmed the walkout, which halted nearly all public transport in the capital.

Commuters faced severe disruption, with only two trams running and bus service reduced to a single line connecting Zagreb and Velika Gorica. A Večernji list reporter traveled 13 kilometers from Dubrava to Kustošija in 50 minutes — 15 minutes longer than usual — relying on a neighbor's car and taxis costing up to 25 euros.

“The Naples scenario is not expected today, but if this lasts several days, I cannot guarantee it.”

Hodžić said essential waste collection for hospitals, schools, and nursing homes would continue, but regular household pickup would not operate at full capacity. He dismissed fears of a "Naples scenario" of trash piling up on the first day but warned it could occur if the strike drags on.

Zagreb County Court is expected to rule Tuesday on the strike's legality. Union leader Dražen Jović rejected allegations that the HDZ party orchestrated the action to destabilize Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, noting unions had backed Tomašević's coalition before parliamentary elections. Jović cited the expired contracts as the core grievance.

Mayor Tomašević criticized union leaders for not bargaining in good faith, calling the walkout — the largest in 90 years — "bizarre" after wages rose 60 to 85 percent over three years. He stated the city had offered a 6 percent raise plus bonuses, which unions rejected.