Service interruption: BVG to cease operations for two consecutive days on Thursday and Friday
"Tuesday, February 18"
Third Time's the Chaos: Berlin's Public Transport Stops for 48 Hours Starting Thursday
It's been five grueling weeks of heated negotiations between Verdi and BVG, yet little progress has been made. Brace yourself, Berliners, as Verdi has announced a 48-hour strike starting Thursday, threatening to bring the city's buses, trams, and subways to a screeching halt.
This prolonged stoppage, which begins at 03:00 on Thursday (coinciding with BVG's daily shift start), will extend until 03:00 on Saturday. Despite the disruption, the S-Bahn, operated by Deutsche Bahn, will remain untouched.
At the heart of the disagreement are wages. BVG has offered a 17.6% increase over four years, but Verdi contends this still equates to a real wage cut, an offer they steadfastly refuse.
But it doesn't end there. If a resolution isn't found by the fifth round of discussions, Verdi has threatened indefinite strikes, potentially causing even more chaos in Berlin's transport system.
The strain between workers and union is palpable. Verdi's earlier agreement, while supported by the majority, is seen by many as a sellout, prompting independent action committees to push for more substantial wage increases. In fact, the dissatisfaction has led to calls for workers to organize independently from Verdi, potentially leading to more militant actions.
So, while a deal has been reached, the disagreements remain. Verdi faces growing dissent from within, and the potential for further strikes and transport disruptions in Berlin looms large. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding drama.
The ongoing dispute between Verdi and BVG over policy-and-legislation regarding wages in Berlin's public transportation system has significant implications for local politics, with the announcement of a 48-hour strike set to disrupt general news on "Thursday." If a resolution isn't found, the potential for indefinite strikes and further chaos in Berlin's transport system remains, making the city's politics and general news closely intertwined.
