Berlin is bracing for major disruptions as the BVG (Berlin Transport Company) is set to begin a warning strike on Monday, February 10, 2025. The strike, coordinated by the Verdi union, aims to halt services for U-Bahn, Straßenbahnen, and the majority of bus routes across the city.
Beginning at 3:00 AM, the strike will continue until 3:00 AM on the following Tuesday, marking the second significant labor action during this wage negotiation round. The BVG has stated all U-Bahn and tram services will be suspended during this time, with most bus routes also out of operation. The S-Bahn, operated separately by the Deutsche Bahn, will continue to run on its usual schedule, providing some reprieve for commuters who rely on this form of transport.
Verdi representatives claim there is very strong participation among workers, indicating a full halt of BVG services during the strike. "The strike has begun on time and all vehicles are currently at the depot," declared Verdi's lead negotiator Jeremy Arndt. He added, "We believe all vehicles will remain on the Hof, illustrating the unity of the workers' resolve."
The background to this strike reveals significant tension between Verdi and BVG management over wage increases. Verdi demands €750 more per month for each of the approximately 16,000 BVG employees, alongside additional perks including a 13th-month salary and various allowances for irregular work hours. Meanwhile, the BVG has offered its workers raises totaling 15.3% over the next four years, which union representatives have deemed insufficient.
The proposed BVG wage package also features sharp increases for shift allowances, especially benefiting the over 7,000 bus and tram drivers. Despite this, Verdi continues to push for immediate and significant raises based on inflation and cost-of-living concerns, leading to this latest strike action.
Commuters across Berlin are advised to plan alternatives due to the anticipated surge of traffic on the roads. The Verkehrsinformationszentrale has prepared for heavier than usual traffic volumes, urging individuals to check current schedules and find alternate routes where possible. They recommend working from home if feasible or traveling during off-peak hours. Schengen travelers and urban cyclists should prepare for the cold temperatures expected during this time, heading out sufficiently layered.
Motorists dropping children off at school will especially feel the impact, as many families adapt to the transportation crisis. With winter conditions posing additional challenges, parents are likely to opt for vehicles rather than send their kids off on bicycles. The BVG strike follows the first school day after break, amplifying the stress for families needing to secure reliable transportation.
The strike will likely see significant increases in traffic congestion on major routes throughout the city, including the A115 and A100 highways, particularly near construction sites. The BVG estimates delays could average 15–25 minutes longer compared to typical travel times as more people take to their cars.
Today’s events are underscored by rising frustration among transportation staff and the larger public. The BVG’s management has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the union’s approach, stating, "With the warning strike, Verdi escalates matters on the backs of passengers without discussing our serious entry offer. We’ve made every effort to negotiate," referencing what they classified as constructive proposal discussions.
Verdi emphasizes the need for fair remuneration, positioning the strike as not just about current issues but the overall treatment of public transport employees, arguing the city’s growth needs to reflect inclusiveness of its public servants. "Our appeal is to the importance of fair wages for the work we do day by day, ensuring public transport remains reliable and efficient," concluded Arndt.
Looking forward, the next round of negotiations is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, February 12, 2025. Both sides hope to find common ground to end this dispute, but with each strike, commuters remain caught between the demands of the workers and the operational constraints of the BVG. The outcome of these discussions will not only shape the future of BVG employee wages but may also dictate the accessibility of public transportation across Berlin.