Berlin’s public transportation came to a standstill for two days, from Wednesday morning to Friday morning, as the Berliner Verkehrsgesellschaft (BVG) was hit by a strike. The strike, called by the ver.di union, was in response to the company’s refusal to budge on a new contract. The union is now preparing for a potential vote on an open-ended strike, which could begin in April if 75% of the workforce agrees.
Before the vote, the union plans to stage another warning strike in the coming week, with the hope of persuading the BVG to reconsider its offer. The union is demanding a 750-euro pay increase for each employee, while the company is offering a 13.6% increase with a longer contract duration.
The strike caused significant disruptions, with all subway and tram lines, as well as most bus lines, out of service for 48 hours. The city’s roads were congested, especially during rush hour, as a result of the strike. The company has proposed a mediation, where external mediators would try to find a settlement. The outcome of the next steps remains to be seen.