Berlin's BVG Workers Go on another Strike - Verdi's Demands Unmet
- Berlin transport companies face a new work stoppage announced by Verdi union members
It's once again chaos on the streets of Berlin as the transport workers union, Verdi, has announced another two-day warning strike at the city's public transport company, BVG. The strike is set to kicks off at 3 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, and is expected to run until the start of operations on Friday, March 28 [1][2][3].
A Two-Day Mayhem
- Transport Disruptions: Expect nearly all underground trains, trams, and buses to remain idle in the depots. However, services like the S-Bahn and regional trains will continue to operate [1][2].
- Alternative Transport: Brace yourself for heavy traffic and potential traffic congestion as passengers are left to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services for their commute [1][2].
Preparing for the Long Haul
If an agreement is not reached during this round of negotiations, Verdi is ready to escalate the dispute with an indefinite strike, a move that'll require a 75% vote in favor from union members [1][2].
Union's Demands
- Salary Boost: Verdi wants a monthly wage hike of €750 for a period of 12 months to help employees cope with soaring living costs [1][3].
- Shift Incentives: The union is discussing bonus structures for specific shift models [1][3].
- Thirteenth Month's Salary: Verdi is also pushing for a higher Christmas bonus [1][3].
At an Impasse
The latest round of negotiations ended without a deal, with BVG offering a salary increase far below what Verdi is demanding [1][3]. Specifically, BVG proposed a staged increment of €375 over a 24-month period, a proposal Verdi deemed insufficient [1].
The union negotiator, Jeremy Arndt, made it clear that BVG and the Berlin Senate alone will bear the responsibility for any further strikes. Arndt did mention that they are open to dialogue and willing to consider mediation on BVG's proposal [1][3].
[1] Berliner Morgenpost[2] Tagesspiegel[3] Der Tagesspiegel
- The Commission has decided to initiate a formal investigation procedure in respect of the complaint filed by Verdi, concerning the BVG's refusal to meet the demands for a €750 monthly wage increase over 12 months.
- In the event of an unresolved dispute, a potential indefinite strike could occur, with 75% of union members voting in favor, following the two-day warning strike affecting the transport services of BVG.
- Verdi is also advocating for shift incentives and a higher Christmas bonus, in addition to the salary boost, in their ongoing negotiations with BVG, currently at a stalemate due to a significant salary increase discrepancy between the two parties.
