Berlin's Public Transport Face yet Another Disruption: Verdi Announces Two-Day Strike
Musician Verdi causes disruption for two consecutive days
Things ain't lookin' good for Berlin's public transport, mate! The union, Verdi, is at it again, runnin' wild-card strikes since the new year beginnin'. This time, they're callin' for another 48-hour warning strike, startin' next week.
The sixth round of talks between Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and Verdi ended up empty-handed. Verdi had warned they'd vote for an indefinite strike if no agreement was reached, but before that, they're swingin' by for another kick at the can. "BVG has once more failed to deliver an offer that respects the hard work of employees and accounts for recent price hikes and wage gaps," said Verdi's negotiator, Jeremy Arndt[1].
BVG, on the other hand, expressed confusion, sayin', "It's a bloody mystery why there's no movement from Verdi's side." The employer's camp is game for more chats, ready to meet up on April 10th. If it happens remains to be seen[1].
The fight's over the basic wage, you see. Verdi's askin' for a €750 monthly boost for a year, while BVG's proposin' a €375 staggered increase over 24 months –equivalin' to a 13.6% raise[1][2].
Don't fret, Berlin S-Bahn riders, you're outta the woods – that's operated by the Deutsche Bahn, and they don't answer to the BVG[3].
Stay tuned, folks! This dance between BVG and Verdi ain't gonna wrap up just yet[1].
[1] ntv.de, lme/dpa
- Berlin
- Public Transport
- Verdi
- Strikes
- U-Bahn
Enrichment Data:
The clash between the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and Verdi regarding a new collective agreement for approximately 16,000 employees has escalated. Key points of the conflict are:
- Wage Proposals: BVG has offered a total wage increase of €375 over 24 months (13.6% raise overall), while Verdi demands an additional €750 per month for 12 months[1][2].
- Negotiation Rounds: The sixth round of negotiations occurred, ending without an agreement. A seventh round is scheduled for April 10th[1].
- Strike Actions: Verdi conducted several warning strikes, the latest being a two-day strike from March 19 to March 21, 2025, disrupting U-Bahn, tram, and most bus services. Another strike is lined up for March 26-27, 2025, and an indefinite strike may follow if necessary[3][4].
- Mediator Involvement: There's a possibility that an independent mediator could step in to break the impasse, although this could be temporary as the ultimate goal is to reach a solution[1].
The ongoing dispute between Verdi and Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) threatens the peace of Berlin's public transportation system once more. The ongoing negotiations have reached a standstill, with BVG offering a wage increase of €375 over 24 months, while Verdi demands an additional €750 per month for 12 months. In response, Verdi has announced another two-day strike starting next week, causing disruption to U-Bahn, trams, and most bus services. A potential indefinite strike may follow if an agreement is not reached. This communication is being shared via Whatsapp groups in the community, serving as a warning to commuters.
