In a significant development within the ongoing wage dispute involving Berlin's public transport operator, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and the Verdi union, both parties have recently made progress toward potential conciliation while a planned strike looms. The meeting held on Tuesday morning, March 25, 2025, has brought forth optimism about an agreement to mediate the conflict that has dogged the BVG for months.
Despite the progress made in the discussions, Verdi confirmed that the anticipated 48-hour warning strike will still commence on Wednesday, March 26 at 3 AM and conclude on Friday, March 28 at 3 AM. This strike, which is the fifth disruption during the current bargaining round, is set to paralyze the network of U-Bahn trains, trams, and most buses, sending thousands of commuters into turmoil.
Verdi's negotiators acknowledged that while their discussions with BVG were constructive, the organization still demands a base salary increase of 750 Euros per month for all of its approximately 16,600 employees. The BVG’s last formal proposal, made during the sixth round of negotiations on March 21, did not meet these demands, thus leading Verdi to declare that negotiations had failed. Consequently, this set the stage for the impending strike and additional plans for an indefinite walkout unless an agreement can be reached soon.
"The exploratory talks for conciliation went positively today. Some details remain open, but both sides are confident that these issues can be resolved together in the coming days," shared a representative from BVG. Simultaneously, Verdi echoed these sentiments, indicating that negotiations over the remaining points were ongoing.
The crux of the disagreement revolves around the proposal from BVG, which offered an increase of 375 Euros over two years, including additional allowances and flexible working hours. However, Verdi insists that the requirement for an increase of 750 Euros a month is critical. According to the union, BVG's current offer translates into a significant financial burden, leading to a potential increase in overall personnel costs by 250 million Euros over two years. They contend that this might severely impact the operational viability of the transport provider.
In recent weeks, as tensions escalated, discussions had stalled significantly. In fact, the latest negotiation round was cut short after five hours, with Verdi stating that they could not accept the terms being presented. BVG's personnel costs are already under pressure, and without significant improvements or financial support from the government of Berlin, the agency could struggle to meet union demands while maintaining service levels.
As the impending strike draws closer, Verdi plans to conduct a ballot from March 26 to April 4, 2025, enabling members to vote on whether they favor moving towards an unrestricted strike should negotiations not yield results within the specified time frame. This adds a layer of urgency to the current discussions.
BVG and Verdi are aware that once a conciliation agreement is reached, both parties would need to adhere to a peace obligation, effectively halting any further strikes while negotiations are in process. Both sides are now in discussions about potential mediators, who will not be affiliated with either side's respective organizations, and how the mediation process will be structured.
The negotiations have drawn the attention of various political figures, including Berlin's Mayor, Kai Wegner, who has urged Verdi to reconsider their stance on the strike and to avoid escalating tensions further. Wegner emphasized the need for both sides to act responsibly and consider the impact on the everyday citizens relying on public transport.
“It’s important that both parties consider the needs of Berlin citizens who depend on reliable transit. A strike at this point may only exacerbate the challenges our residents already face,” Wegner remarked.
In response, Verdi spokesperson Kalle Kunkel pushed back against the Mayor's appeal, branding it “impertinent” and asserting that the government needs to ensure that BVG is sufficiently funded, rather than dictating terms to the bargaining representatives.
With the ongoing stalemate and the threat of an indefinite strike looming, the situation remains fluid. Should Verdi’s strike plans proceed as scheduled, it would mark another significant chapter in the struggle between labor rights and operational viability within Berlin's transit system.
The stakes are high for both parties involved, as their next moves could have lasting implications for the livelihoods of thousands of workers and the daily lives of millions of commuters in the capital.
