In a recent turn of events, Berlin’s Transportation Minister Ute Bonde has voiced her dissatisfaction with the Verdi union amid ongoing wage negotiations with the Berlin Transport Company (BVG). As a member of the CDU party, Bonde deems it unreasonable for one negotiating party to uphold maximal demands while the other, the BVG, proposes solid concessions, including a noteworthy average salary increase of EUR600 for public transport staff, positioning them among the leaders in Germany.
Bonde praised the financial flexibility shown by the BVG, attributing it to the current Senate’s initiatives. She faced criticism regarding her management of transportation issues, specifically the A100 bridge situation at Dreieck-Funkturm and strikes by Verdi. However, Bonde pointed fingers at her predecessors, asserting that the transportation sector faced challenges stemming from the Green Party’s administration between 2016 and April 2023.
In addressing concerns about her crisis management after the Ringbahn bridge closure, Bonde emphasised collaboration between her administration and the Autobahn GmbH. She has committed to a comprehensive master plan for bridge repair by summer, noting that Berlin’s 867 bridges—more than Venice’s—are largely in poor shape, with only 21% rated good or very good. She reveals that around EUR1 billion will be necessary over the next decade for maintaining 120 of these structures.
Berlin’s Transportation Minister, Ute Bonde, has expressed frustration at the Verdi union during wage negotiations with BVG, highlighting a proposed EUR600 salary increase. She attributes some transportation issues to previous administrations while promising future bridge maintenance plans amid ongoing scrutiny and public concerns.
The article outlines Ute Bonde’s criticism of the Verdi union’s demands amidst ongoing wage negotiations with the BVG. It highlights the BVG’s salary increase proposal as a significant concession, while also addressing the challenges from the previous Green Party administration. Bonde has pledged to enhance bridge maintenance in Berlin, facing both scrutiny and opposition regarding her management and the state of public transportation.
Original Source: themunicheye.com
