Berlin's public transport network is bracing itself for another significant disruption as the union Verdi has called for two days of warning strikes at Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) on March 19 and 20, 2025. This strike follows the culmination of yet another round of negotiations, which concluded on March 12 without reaching any agreement.
The current wage dispute has seen Verdi, the union representing BVG employees, demand additional compensation to offset the rising cost of living. Specifically, Verdi is calling for 750 euros more per month for its members, citing the substantial increase in prices and the inadequate response from BVG management to these financial pressures. The union argues, "The financial offer from BVG is completely insufficient and doesn't take the drastic price increases faced by our colleagues daily adequately," stated Jeremy Arndt, Verdi's negotiating representative.
This upcoming strike marks the fourth labor dispute related to the current wage negotiations. During the previous strike at the end of February, employees stayed off work for 48 hours, leading to halted services throughout Berlin's extensive bus, tram, and subway networks.
Despite the significant pushback created by their strikes, negotiations between the two parties have repeatedly stalled. After five rounds of discussions, the employer side presented what they considered to be “improved offers.” The latest offer from BVG consisted of retroactive payment of 240 euros per month from January 1, 2025, and an additional 135 euros beginning March 2026. Although BVG stated this offer amounted to a total increase of approximately 13.6 percent, it fell significantly short of Verdi’s demands.
BVG's personnel director, Jenny Zeller-Grothe, expressed her disbelief at Verdi’s resistance. "We have made significant concessions and are at the limit of our financial capabilities," she remarked. She emphasized the necessity for Verdi to present compromise proposals moving forward rather than adhering strictly to their maximum demands. Zeller-Grothe also indicated the possibility of legal actions concerning the legitimacy and proportionality of the announced strikes.
The scope of services affected by the strikes will be considerable. During the planned strikes, all subways, most buses, and trams will not operate. Certain lines will remain unaffected, particularly those operated under contracts with private firms or specific bus lines such as 106, 114, and 118, which will continue operating albeit with reduced frequency.
Looking forward, if the March 21 negotiations result again without agreement, Verdi is prepared to escalate its actions significantly. They will hold a ballot among its members to discuss the possibility of transitioning to indefinite strikes, which could have long-lasting impacts on Berlin's public transport system.
The union indicates they are committed to ensuring fair compensation for their members, all of whom have shown considerable patience and resilience throughout this contentious negotiation process. This sentiment is echoed widely, with many workers expressing their frustrations over years of stagnant wages and rising inflation, as the demands made by Verdi are perceived not as mere requests but as necessary measures to sustain their livelihoods amid economic pressures.
Meanwhile, citizens of Berlin are urged to plan their travel arrangements carefully during this period of industrial action. With both subway and bus services suspended, many will seek alternative means of transportation, leading to potentially congested roads as commuters turn to ride-sharing services or taxis. The Berlin S-Bahn is expected to experience increased passenger loads as it remains unaffected by the strike actions due to being operated separately by Deutsche Bahn.
Verdi continues to mobilize its base, with plans for larger demonstrations planned for the day before the negotiations. They seek to demonstrate to both the public and BVG officials the widespread support for their demands. "The union will gather at the Berlin House of Representatives to exert additional pressure on the decision-makers before the forthcoming talks," stated Arndt.
Informing the public about these strikes and the potential for extended disruption is imperative as the negotiations reach their climax next week. Understanding the stakes involved is key, not only for BVG employees but for the city's commuter population as well. How the negotiations will end and whether BVG will concede to these heightened demands remains unclear but is anticipated with much scrutiny.
This labor dispute is not merely about wages, but about the overall future of BVG employees and the necessary adjustments needed within the system to reflect the reality of economic difficulties faced by its workers. Should the agreements fail to materialize, it could result in longer and possibly indefinite impacts on public transportation, reshaping the commuting experiences of millions within Germany's vibrant capital.