BVG strike survived: local transport in Berlin returns to normality

BVG strike survived: local transport in Berlin returns to normality

After an intensive warning strike, which started on Monday at 3 a.m. and ended at 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning, local transport in Berlin rolls again. The strip of the Berlin Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) led to the bus, U- and tram traffic largely paralyzed. The Verdi union calls for the approximately 16,000 employees of the BVG, among other things, a wage increase of 750 euros per month, a 13th monthly salary and monthly shift allowances. However, the BVG sees the need to catch up on the fee, but considers the claims to be "unimaginable".

For the time during the warning strike, the BVG showed alternative mobility solutions. Passengers were advised to avoid sharing offers such as the jelbi app, and taxis. While all subways, trams and most of the bus lines failed, some bus lines that were operated by subcontractors maintained the operation. In addition, S-Bahn and regional trains drove according to the regular timetable, whereby the S5 between Mahlsdorf and Lichtenberg drove additionally.

negotiations and outlook

The next round of negotiations between the Verdi union and the BVG is scheduled for Friday. The employer side will submit an offer for the first round of negotiations. Verdi is optimistic, while the BVG indicates that further industrial struggles are not planned until this round of negotiations.

The warning strike also reminds of similar actions throughout the public transport (public transport) in Germany, which took place at the same time. The ver.di union has announced further strikes in six federal states. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Rhineland-Palatinate are particularly affected. The focus here is on bus and rail traffic.

The legal foundation

It is important to note that the strike is considered "force majeure". This means that passengers with monthly or weekly tickets and the Germany ticket do not receive compensation. Article 9 paragraph 3 of the Basic Law guarantees the right to strike, which is why employees are obliged to take “reasonable precautions” in order to get to their workplace. In addition, employers do not have to reimburse the costs for taxi trips on the strike day.

The collective bargaining and the associated strikes in public transport are also accompanied by the situation in the metal and electrical industry, where measures are also taken. The pressure on employers increases, especially after a much discussed offer, which only provides for a wage increase of 3% from April 2025 from the employer side, which is inadequate from the unions.

The upcoming negotiations will be crucial to take up the concerns of employees in local public transport and possibly lead to an agreement that meets both the demands of the unions and the financial possibilities of employers.