BVG warning strike: U-railway and buses paralyzed-what does the Berliner expect?

BVG warning strike: U-railway and buses paralyzed-what does the Berliner expect?

Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Deutschland - On March 26 and 27, 2025, the BVG employee will have an extensive warning strike in Berlin. The ver.di union has called for this, which will lead to considerable restrictions in public transport. The warning strike begins on March 26th at 3 a.m. and ends on March 28 with the start of operation. Almost all subway and tram lines as well as most buses are affected. U-station inputs will be closed during the strike, and passengers should also expect delays and failures after the warning strike.

background of the strike

The event for the warning strike is a collective bargaining conflict between the BVG and the ver.di union, which affects around 16,000 employees. Ver.di demands 750 euros more wages per month, additional allowances for driving service and shift work as well as a 13th monthly salary. In contrast, the BVG offers a wage increase of 13.6% for all employees and 17.2% for drivers within two years, but describes Ver.Di's claims as "unfinance". The negotiations are separated from the collective bargaining in the public service (TVöD), since separate collective agreements for local transport, as explained by rbb24.de.

A arbitration process could prevent an indefinite strike if both parties agree. So far, however, there has been no such arbitration attempt, even if explorations took place on Tuesday morning that resulted in a certain confidence on both sides. A coordination of surrounding permanent strikes begins on March 26 and ends on April 4th. If an approval of 75 percent is achieved, the work layouts could be pulled in length.

public reactions and further developments

There are currently similar strike activities in local public transport (public transport) throughout the Federal Republic. Unions are calling for better wages and working conditions nationwide, while employers are trying to restrict the required increases. In parallel to the events in Berlin, tariff negotiations run in six federal states, which affect around 5,500 employees. There are also warning strikes in the metal and electrical industry that indicate the tense situation on the labor market, as [https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/arbeitsmarkt/warnsteIKS-TAIKS-TARIFMAUSTE-OEPNV-METALL-100.html).

In order to advance the negotiations, the employers have made an offer, but without there were any significant improvements in the first round of negotiations. The union sharply criticizes the offers and continues to call for substantial wage increases and improved working conditions for employees in the entire sector.