In a monumental agreement, Berlin’s transport operator BVG and the Verdi union have settled a long-standing dispute regarding pay and conditions. This resolution guarantees around 16,600 BVG employees an average pay rise of 15% over the next few years, with drivers receiving an impressive 20%. Financially, this translates to an additional €430 per month, starting with €380 from June and an extra €50 in the following year.
The new contract will be effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, including a one-off bonus of €1,500 for the initial five months. Moreover, Christmas bonuses and shift work bonuses are set to rise, and employees can increase their weekly hours from 37.5 to 39 to boost their earnings further. Additionally, BVG and the union aim to establish terms for a 35-hour workweek by 2027.
This agreement transforms BVG employees from being the lowest-paid transport workers to the highest in Germany, sharing this top spot with Baden-Württemberg from 2026. This resolution successfully avoids the looming threat of extensive transport strikes in the capital, which had been at stake during tense negotiations.
After rounds of talks and warning strikes, both sides opted for mediation, appointing SPD’s Matthias Platzeck and Left Party’s Bodo Ramelow to facilitate the discussions. With 95% of Verdi members supporting potential strike action earlier this month, the urgency was palpable, emphasising the high stakes involved.
Expressing gratitude for the outcome, Verdi’s chief negotiator Jeremy Arndt stated they had maximised their achievements for employees, even as demands initially sought a €750 monthly increase. On the other hand, BVG acknowledged a closer alignment with the union than initially anticipated. Chief negotiator Jenny Zeller-Grothe remarked, “Today is a good day,” as the company plans to manage the €140 million additional costs with minimal impact on customers, pending any state funding negotiations.
BVG and Verdi reach a landmark agreement, securing a 15% pay rise for transport workers, with drivers receiving 20%. The contract runs until 2026, featuring bonuses and increased hours. This resolves a potential transport crisis and elevates Berlin transport workers to the highest-paid position in Germany.
In summary, the agreement between BVG and the Verdi union marks a significant victory for transport workers in Berlin, ensuring substantial pay increases and avoiding further strikes until 2027. With a firm contract established, BVG employees will notably rise in pay rankings across Germany, reflecting the fruits of persistent negotiation and mediation.
Original Source: www.thelocal.de
