Updated Article:
Verdi Bargains for 20% Wage Hike in Brandenburg's Public Transport Sector
The powerful union, Verdi, has set its sights on securing a 20% wage increase, translating to at least 650 euros more, for workers in Brandenburg's public transport sector. The proposed agreement weeks-long term, as announced Tuesday, aims to bolster employees' financial wellbeing amidst mounting costs of living.
Similar pursuits and demands were echoed in Berlin's Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), where Verdi also presented its case to the employers. But this time, the agenda shifted towards renegotiating the general collective agreement that governs around 18,000 BVG workers.
The Brandenburg wage dispute entangles 15 municipal transport companies, totalling around 3,500 employees, according to Verdi. However, the looming contention is not limited to Brandenburg alone. Nationwide, local transport employees' collective bargaining discussions are set to unfold in all 16 federal states, causing potential warnings strikes and disruptions across Germany.
Important Insights
In the case of Berlin and Brandenburg, the demands centre around a 25% wage hike, involving additional costs totalling €250 million for the BVG. The Transport Workers Action Committee (TWAC) seeks crucial adjustments, including a basic pay rise, improved shift bonuses, and a revised special payment scheme.
If the employers do not meet these demands, the consequences could be severe. The BVG may be forced to cut services, maintain subpar vehicles, and grapple with deteriorating infrastructure. Critics view the union's leadership, especially Verdi, as unfavourably inclined towards supporting the workers' demands, leading to a conflict that may influence the outcome of the wage negotiations.
Practical Implications
Businesses supply chains, and commuters are at risk of disruptions due to potential upcoming warnings strikes and industrial action. Local transport stakeholders should actively prepare for these challenges, addressing the stakeholders' demands and engaging in open dialogues to find solutions.
Meanwhile, the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL), currently negotiating with Deutsche Bahn over higher tariffs and reduced working hours, may trigger additional warnings strikes, impacting the country's traffic dynamics.
[1] [https://www.randstad.de/en/newsroom/media-center/press-releases/2022/11/29/transport-workers-action-committee-calls-for-broad-support-for-strikes-in-germany]
[2] [https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/germany-wages-public-transport-workers-strikes-1.6682924]
