© dpa
Passengers travelling on Berlin's public transport system are once again facing considerable restrictions.
The trade union Verdi has called for the next two-day warning strike at Berlin's public transport company (BVG) next Wednesday and Thursday (19 and 20 March 2025). "The BVG's financial offer is completely inadequate and ignores the massive price increases that our colleagues have to contend with on a daily basis," said chief negotiator Jeremy Arndt.
The previous strike at BVG at the end of February lasted 48 hours. Once again, almost all buses, trams and underground trains are likely to remain in the depot. This is now the fourth industrial action in the current round of collective bargaining with BVG. The S-Bahn and regional transport services are not affected this time either. We can expect full streets and a high demand for alternatives such as taxis or sharing services.
After the fifth round of negotiations this week, the bargaining parties once again failed to reach an agreement. In particular, there are differences regarding the level of pay. Verdi is demanding an additional 750 euros per month for a term of 12 months. BVG recently offered 375 euros in stages and twice as long a term. Negotiations are also being held on a higher Christmas bonus, bonuses for certain shift models and more flexible working hours. "We have once again made significant concessions to the union's high demands and are at the limit of our financial possibilities," said BVG personnel director Jenny Zeller-Grothe after the talks on Wednesday.
Verdi recognised that the BVG had made concessions with the 24-month contract term. "Nevertheless, the overall package is not enough to adequately honour the hard work of the employees," emphasised chief negotiator Arndt. After several days of discussions with the employees, the bargaining committee has now decided to increase the pressure ahead of the next round of negotiations by taking further industrial action. This is scheduled for next Friday, the day after the warning strike. If no agreement is reached again, the conflict could escalate further. In this case, Verdi has announced a ballot for indefinite strike action. At least 75 per cent of participating members would have to vote in favour. The longest industrial action to date lasted over 48 hours. Significantly longer periods would be possible following a ballot.