Berlin’s public transport system faced significant disruptions this week as BVG employees went on strike for the fourth time this year, underlining ongoing tensions in long-stalled negotiations over salaries and working conditions. The strikes, which occurred on March 19 and 20, 2025, have drawn attention not only for their immediate impact but also for the growing frustration they echo among commuters.
The 48-hour strike, organized by the union Verdi, led to the cancellation of most bus, subway, and tram services across the city. With tensions already high from previous labor disputes, these strikes are taking place just ahead of crucial discussions set for March 21, in which both parties hope to reach a pivotal agreement.
According to Christian Linow, spokesperson for the Berliner Fahrgastverband IGEB, this situation has reached a critical point. “There is a need for all parties to return to the negotiating table to find a solution,” he stated, stressing how essential it is to address the increasing burden on passengers. Linow further expressed concerns about the longer-term implications, urging that “the passengers have to bear the burdens right now,” as commuters faced severe inconveniences during the strike.
This strike has raised significant questions about the future of public transport in Berlin. The response from commuters has been mixed, with some expressing empathy for the workers’ plight while others vent their frustration over the repeated disruptions. “I find it a bit much, and then always two days at a time. Yes, you can understand it, but at some point, you think: enough is enough,” commented Bärbel, a commuter from Weißensee. In contrast, others like Juri from Charlottenburg have adapted by cycling during the strike days, showing how some Berliners are finding ways to cope.
The strikes stem from a demand for increased wages amid a backdrop of rising living costs. Verdi is pushing for a €750 monthly wage increase for all employees and higher shift allowances, while the BVG recently proposed a wage increase of around 13.6% over a shorter contract term of 24 months, which Verdi dismissed as insufficient. “The latest BVG offer is completely inadequate,” remarked Jeremy Arndt, a negotiator for Verdi, highlighting a fundamental disconnect between the two sides.
Amid the strike, commuters have been encouraged to explore alternative modes of transportation. Regionally, S-Bahn services continued to operate, with increased frequency on specific lines, including the S1 and S5, during daytime hours. Shuttle buses and certain ferries also offered limited service, providing some relief in the disrupted transport landscape. However, many services remained paralyzed, amplifying the struggles of those reliant on public transport.
As workers strike for better conditions, the broader implications are drawing criticism from various stakeholders, including business associations such as the Unternehmensverbände Berlin-Brandenburg. The deputy managing director of the organization, Andreas Schulz, called the strike tactics “disproportionate,” sparking a wave of responses from leaders across the spectrum. This sentiment is echoed by BVG personnel executive, Jenny Zeller-Grothe, who urged the union to come forward with solutions rather than continue to push for maximalist demands. Zeller-Grothe argued, “It is high time the union...bring solutions to the table instead of insisting on maximal demands.”
This labor dispute resonates beyond Berlin’s transport system, with many voicing concerns about the impact on public services more broadly. Anja Piel, a board member of the DGB, defended the strikes as an essential right, emphasizing the need for equitable negotiations. “Strikes are a fundamental right... for fair working conditions and wages,” Piel noted, framing the issue within the larger context of labor rights and protections.
As the deadline for negotiations approaches, the looming threat of indefinite strike action hangs in the air. If no agreement is reached during the upcoming talks, Verdi has indicated a willingness to initiate a ballot for longer strikes, which, according to union rules, would require a significant majority of participating members' approval. This scenario could lead to prolonged disruptions for commuters, pushing the urgency for a resolution further into the foreground.
With approximately 16,000 employees affected, the stakes in these negotiations are not just about immediate wages but also about the future working conditions of many who contribute to the lifeblood of Berlin’s public transport network. Commuters, advocates, and labor leaders await the outcomes of the upcoming discussions, hoping that a fair agreement can be reached and the strikes can come to an end, restoring order to the city’s transportation system.
