Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) Calls for Mediation After Wage Talks Collapse with Union Verdi
Following the collapse of wage negotiations: BVG requests mediation - Following the collapse of collective bargaining negotiations: BVG seeks mediation
In the wake of a collapsed set of wage talks with union Verdi, the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) has agreed to seek mediation to resolve the ongoing wage dispute. According to reports from the German Press Agency, the BVG stated, "With the goal of avoiding further damage and new strikes in Berlin, the BVG extends a hand to union Verdi, urging them to settle the current wage dispute swiftly via mediation."
Foreign mediators would be brought in to assist in negotiating a final agreement. The proposed mediation may begin as early as next week, assuming Verdi agrees to the voluntary procedure. Both parties walked away from their sixth round of talks without reaching an accord, leading Verdi to declare the negotiations a bust and prepare a ballot for unlimited strike action. It remains uncertain whether BVG employees will ultimately support mediation.
Typically, strikes are suspended during the mediation process. However, Verdi reserve the right to hold the ballot simultaneously and authorize new strikes should mediation prove unsuccessful. Union Verdi has already triggered strikes four times in the ongoing wage dispute, causing routine disruptions to Berlin’s public transportation.
Fast Facts:- BVG - The Berlin Transport Authority is responsible for operating public transportation services in Berlin.- Verdi - United Services Union, representing the interests of employees in various sectors, including transportation.- Wage Talks - Failed negotiations between BVG and Verdi regarding salary increase and working conditions.- Berlin - The capital city of Germany and home to the BVG and Verdi's labor dispute.- Wage Dispute - A disagreement between BVG and Verdi over salary increases and working conditions for BVG employees.
[1] Given the ongoing tension, a resolution seems elusive at present. (Source: Reuters)
- Thevoluntary mediation process, initiated by the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG), aims to swiftly resolve the ongoing wage dispute with union Verdi, as both parties faced an impasse in their sixth round of talks.
- As part of the agreed mediation, foreign mediators will be enlisted to facilitate negotiations between BVG and Verdi, aiming to reach a final agreement.
- In the event that the proposed mediation fails to produce an agreement, union Verdi has reserved the right to hold a simultaneous ballot for unlimited strike action, emphasizing their continued determination in the ongoing wage dispute.
