Long Journey Ahead: Verdi's Relentless Strikes at Berlin's Transport Company, BVG, Continue
Verdi causes another two-day disturbance
Chatter Share Text Mail Print Link ShareThe labor standoff at Berlin's public transportation is far from over. Union Verdi has declared another swift two-day strike looming from Wednesday and Thursday next week. According to spokesperson, Jeremy Arndt, the BVG's current financial proposal is a complete flop, disregarding the steep daily price escalations that BVG employees endure. The previous strike last month persisted for a hefty 48 hours.
The BVG has responded adversely to the strike call. Legally, they have the right to pursue action, questioning the fairness of the industrial action. Personnel director Jenny Zeller-Grothe stated, "Negotiations are about coming together; now it's Verdi's turn to propose a compromise on remuneration, instead of persisting with maximum demands. The onus is on Verdi."
What Happens If I'm Late to Work? The fifth round of discussions this week did not result in an agreement, primarily on the issue of remuneration. Verdi seeks an additional 750 euros monthly for the next 12 months. The BVG's revised offer comprised a staged 375 euros and an extended contract period. Further discussions revolve around increased Christmas bonuses, incentives for specific shift patterns, and more adaptable working hours.
Zeller-Grothe addressed the media after the talks on Wednesday, acknowledging the BVG's significant concessions but emphasized that the offer remains inadequate to fairly compensate the employees' hard work. Arndt retorted, "Despite the BVG's increased contract period offer, the overall package still doesn't satisfy our demands."
Notably, the Berlin S-Bahn is apart from the strike's reach. It falls under S-Bahn Berlin GmbH, which is linked to Deutsche Bahn, not the BVG.
Berlin's proud history echoes in the city's essence, and the public transport system forms an integral part of it. Matching the city's vibrancy, the U-Bahn and bus network keep the city in motion, but the current labor dispute brings the wheels to a screeching halt.
Sources: ntv.de, lme/dpa
- Berlin
- U-Bahn
- Verdi
- Strikes
- For the second time this month, Verdi, the union representing Berlin's BVG transport workers, has announced a two-day strike, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, contradicting the BVG's employment policy.
- Amidst Berlin's bustling community, negotiations between Verdi and the BVG over remuneration continue, with Verdi pushing for an additional 750 euros monthly and the BVG proposing a staged increase of 375 euros, as per their employment policy, raising questions about a compromise.
- As the strike continues, commuters turn to alternative means of transportation, such as the Berlin U-Bahn, which is operating normally since it falls under S-Bahn Berlin GmbH, not the BVG, and communicating updates through various platforms like WhatsApp.
