Berlin's public transport, managed by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), has been grappling with a multitude of challenges recently. Rolf Erfurt, BVG's Chief Operating Officer, revealed on the rbb evening show that the company is battling a significantly increased sickness rate. This surge in illnesses is partly due to the ongoing coronavirus wave affecting the workforce. In some departments, the sick leave rate has skyrocketed to six to eight percent.
As a result, commuters in Berlin have experienced numerous delays and cancellations on buses and trains. Erfurth assured that everyone who can drive is doing so, but the high sick leave rates, coupled with the existing shortage of bus drivers, have made it difficult for BVG to provide every journey and the full range of services.
The shortage of bus drivers is another issue plaguing Berlin's public transportation system. In November, BVG announced plans to reduce its bus services due to this shortage.
While BVG is grappling with these challenges, a separate issue is causing further disruptions. The Verdi union, representing about 16,000 BVG employees, has called for a strike due to wage disputes and demands for higher salaries and better working conditions. The union is pushing for at least €750 more per month, translating to roughly 25% higher salaries.
BVG's management has expressed frustration over the strike, stating that it is counterproductive and that the union has not engaged sufficiently with their concrete proposals for wage increases. The strike has led to significant disruptions in public transportation in Berlin, with all U-Bahn, Straßenbahn, and most bus services suspended, except for some bus lines operated by other companies not under BVG's management.
As of now, it is unclear if BVG has any specific measures in place to address the increase in sickness rates due to the coronavirus wave. The focus remains on the wage dispute and its impact on public transportation services.
References:
[1] Stern.de. (n.d.). (Stern.de)
[2] Stern.de. (n.d.). (Stern.de)
