A 48-hour transport strike in Berlin, called by the German trade union ver.di, is set to occur on March 26 and 27. The action will commence at 3am on Wednesday and conclude at 3am on Friday, leading to a complete halt of all U-Bahn and tram services across the city. Following the strike, services may return to operation in an irregular manner, creating possible disruptions for commuters.
During this strike, however, certain bus services will still function. A total of 34 bus routes will continue full operations, while seven routes will offer partial service. Commuters are advised to check the full list of running routes available on the BVG website for updated information.
The strike is a result of ongoing unsuccessful negotiations between BVG management and ver.di. Having already undertaken four strikes this year, the union represents employees seeking better pay amid rising living costs, with an emphasis on a demand for a €750 monthly pay increase over the forthcoming year, along with a Christmas bonus. Current compensation levels for BVG transport drivers rank them as the lowest across all German states, in contrast to the city’s considerable rental costs.
Given that an agreement has yet to be reached, the potential for further indefinite strikes looms on the horizon. Between March 26 and April 4, ver.di plans to vote on extending strike action, contingent upon securing approval from 75 percent of its members. Historical context indicates that prolonged negotiations could lead to disruptions lasting multiple weeks, reminiscent of the prolonged strikes in 2008 that affected Berlin’s transport system.
A 48-hour strike by BVG transport workers, initiated by the ver.di union, will disrupt all U-Bahn and tram services in Berlin on March 26-27. While some bus routes continue to operate, the strike stems from unsuccessful wage negotiations, as BVG employees seek a substantial pay increase to address rising living expenses and current low salary rates compared to the rest of Germany.
The imminent strike on March 26 and 27 by the BVG workers, called by ver.di, highlights the ongoing struggle for fair wages within Berlin’s public transport sector. While U-Bahn and tram services will be drastically affected, bus services will still run on select routes. With previous negotiations proving fruitless, the prospect of indefinite strikes looms large, underscoring the urgency for a resolution that addresses employee concerns and wages in light of rising living costs.
Original Source: www.iamexpat.de
