Another two-day warning strike at BVG next week

Verdi has called four warning strikes at the BVG since January. (archive picture)

The trade union Verdi has declared the wage negotiations at Berlin's public transport company (BVG) to have failed and has called for another warning strike in the German capital next week.

At the same time, the union is preparing a ballot on indefinite strikes. The warning strike is scheduled to start on Wednesday morning (26 March 2025) at around 3 a.m. and end on Friday morning at the start of operations. Almost all underground trains, trams and buses are then likely to be cancelled again. Verdi has already largely brought Berlin's local transport services to a standstill four times since January - most recently on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Longer warning strikes possible after ballot

Following a ballot, passengers and the municipal company could face significantly longer walkouts. At least 75 per cent of participating members would have to vote in a ballot for an indefinite strike. It is unclear how long the strike would actually last. In 2008, Verdi called on BVG employees to go on warning strike for around six weeks within three months during collective bargaining.

High demand for alternatives

As with the previous warning strikes, those affected will have to switch to S-Bahn and regional transport, as buses, trams and underground trains will remain in the depot. The roads are expected to be full and there will be high demand for alternatives such as taxis or sharing services.