A major strike in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is set to disrupt public services on Wednesday, affecting millions.

Public transport, including buses and trains, will largely halt, leaving commuters stranded.

Many kindergartens, city offices, and waste collection services will also shut down.

The strike, organized by unions Verdi and GEW, is part of a broader dispute over pay and working conditions in the public sector.

Demonstrations are planned in major cities like Dortmund, Cologne, and Düsseldorf, with thousands expected to participate.

The unions demand an 8% pay increase or at least €350 more per month, plus additional leave days.

Employers have yet to present a concrete offer, calling the demands unaffordable.

The strike highlights the critical role of public sector workers in daily life.