In Berlin, preparations are underway for two days of warning strikes by the BVG, scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, and Thursday, March 27, 2025. During this period, the public transportation system will face significant disruptions, with only a few buses operating, while streetcars and subways will come to a complete halt. This situation follows months of sporadic strikes that have become a norm for many Berliners since the beginning of 2025.
The face of this ongoing struggle is Jeremy Arndt, the Verdi negotiator leading the charge for better wages in a bitter tariff dispute against the BVG management. Born in Berlin-Pankow, Arndt is no stranger to labor negotiations. At 39 years old, he serves as the state division manager at Verdi-Berlin, representing workers in areas like public and private services, social insurance, and transport.
As the negotiations heat up, Arndt has gained notoriety for his uncompromising stance, reminiscent of Claus Weselsky, the former head of the German locomotive drivers' union. He has made it clear that the employers and the Berlin Senate are to blame for the impending strikes, stating, "Für die weiteren Streiks tragen allein die Arbeitgeber und der Berliner Senat die Verantwortung. Über 40 Tage hatten sie Zeit, ein verhandlungsfähiges Angebot auf den Tisch zu legen." His bold declaration underlines a growing frustration with the lack of acceptable proposals from the BVG.
The demands from the BVG staff are substantial: a monthly wage increase of 750 euros along with additional shift allowances. Arndt leads with the same conviction he had six years ago during a significant BVG strike. Back then, the workers fought for a 17 percent pay raise; now, the stakes are even higher, with Arndt pushing for a 25 percent increase.
In a city already grappling with traffic issues exacerbated by the closure of the A100 highway, concerns are mounting about how these ongoing labor disputes will further affect everyday life in Berlin. Oliver Ohmann, a local journalist, expressed his apprehensions in stark terms: "Eine Stadt wie Berlin darf niemals stillstehen. Sonst heißt es sehr bald: Gute Nacht, Berlin." His comments reflect the increasing anxiety of residents who fear their city could become unrecognizable if the transportation situation continues to deteriorate.
The public reaction to the strikes has been mixed. Several letters to the Berliner Morgenpost highlight frustration among everyday citizens who are forced to reschedule important appointments, like doctor visits, due to transportation disruptions. One concerned reader pointedly questioned Verdi's social conscience during the ongoing labor actions, suggesting that the union should consider the broader impacts of their strikes.
Another letter proposed a drastic approach from the BVG: "Die BVG übernimmt alle Forderungen von Verdi und verdoppelt die Fahrpreise," which underscores the tension surrounding fare increases that could accompany any wage concessions made by the BVG.
Many residents feel stuck in a cycle of grievances as strikes and the resulting traffic chaos plague their commutes. As the BVG prepares for the upcoming warning strikes, a vote on indefinite strikes later this month looms large, potentially signaling further unrest in April.
Amidst all this, Arndt's rhetoric suggests he will persist in his fight, declaring, "Jetzt ist auch der Berliner Senat gefragt, endlich Verantwortung zu übernehmen und die Finanzierung angemessener Löhne bei der BVG sicherzustellen." He insists that only through meetings can they avoid further escalation of the tariff conflict, expressing a willingness to talk while firmly advocating for workers' rights.
As the clock ticks down to the planned strikes, both the BVG management and the local government face pressing challenges. The situation remains fluid, with public sentiment growing increasingly critical of both labor unions and transport authorities. Berlin's future, in terms of both transportation and worker relations, hangs in the balance as key stakeholders brace for an escalating confrontation.
The looming strikes represent not just a labor dispute, but a pivotal moment in determining how Berlin will manage its public transportation amidst mounting pressures from employees and the frustrated public alike. With the eyes of the city focused on negotiations, the coming days will be decisive for both workers and passengers who navigate the capital's complex transport landscape.
