Public transportation in Berlin is set to face significant disruptions as the BVG workers announce plans for another strike on Monday, February 10, 2025. This 24-hour strike was initiated by the ver.di union as negotiations over wage increases have reached an impasse. From 3:00 AM on Monday until 3:00 AM on Tuesday, U-Bahn trains, trams, and most bus lines will not operate, leaving commuters searching for alternatives.
The strike follows a similar warning strike on January 27, which failed to yield any agreement. The ver.di union has publicly rejected the management’s wage offer, which they believe falls short of adequately addressing inflation and the increased cost of living. Janine Köhler, a member of the ver.di tariff commission and chair of the BVG staff council, expressed the frustration of workers, stating, “We have the negotiations started to improve our salaries. That the management wants to effectively cut the wages is really upsetting for the colleagues.”
The management of BVG portrayed their previous offer as generous, claiming it included wage increases of over 15%. The union, on the other hand, described this assertion as misleading. Jeremy Arndt, negotiations head for ver.di, remarked, “The alleged 15% wage increase is just smoke and mirrors. We need serious negotiations without numerical games.” This indicates the depth of the disconnect between management and workers, which has led to the planned strike.
Commuters relying on public transport will have to seek alternatives during the strike period. While the majority of services will halt, some bus lines operated by subcontractors will continue to run. These include bus lines 106, 114, 118, 133, 161, 168, 175, 179, 204, 218, 234, 263, 275, 316, 318, 320, 326, 334, 349, 358, 363, 380, and several night bus lines. Notably, S-Bahn and regional train services will operate as normal, providing some relief for commuters from the outskirts of Berlin. Options for alternative transport include the use of ride-sharing services through the Jelbi app, which allows users to book bikes, e-scooters, or car-sharing vehicles.
The BVG anticipates increased car traffic as many commuters may opt to drive instead of using public transport, particularly during peak hours. This scenario raises concerns about congestion on major roads such as the A115, especially around construction zones and junctions. Authorities suggest commuters check traffic conditions proactively to avoid delays.
Looking forward, the BVG management is under pressure to resume negotiations before the strike occurs. They have proposed wage increases averaging 15.3% over four years. Meanwhile, the union demands at least €750 additional monthly pay for workers. The resolution of this conflict is pivotal not just for the well-being of the BVG employees, but also for the daily lives of Berliners who depend on these services.
The most recent developments signal the tense atmosphere surrounding these negotiations, with potential strike actions looming as leverage for workers to secure fair wages. The situation remains fluid as discussions are scheduled to continue after the strike, ensuring all eyes will remain focused on both the union and BVG management's next steps.