The Verdi union has called for another warning strike in the wage dispute with the Berlin Transport Company (BVG) on March 20 and 21, 2025. Passengers must prepare for significant disruptions to local public transport on these days. At the end of February, a 48-hour strike paralyzed large parts of public transport in Berlin. This time, too, almost all buses, trams, and subways are scheduled to stop running.
As before, the S-Bahn and regional rail services are exempt from the industrial action. Nevertheless, congested roads and increased demand for alternatives such as taxis or sharing services are expected. Some bus lines, including lines 106 and 118, and several night buses, are also unaffected or are operating with restrictions. The BVG sharply criticized the renewed call for a strike and is considering legal action due to the proportionality of the measures.
At the core of the conflict is Verdi's demand for a 750 euro salary increase per month for a twelve-month period. BVG recently offered a 375 euro increase, but for a 24-month period. Other points of contention include allowances for certain shift models, more flexible working hours, and a higher Christmas bonus. Following the failure of the fifth round of negotiations, Verdi is increasing pressure on the employers with the warning strike.
If the next round of negotiations on March 21, 2025, also fails to produce an agreement, further escalation threatens. Verdi has announced a ballot on indefinite strikes in this case. Such a strike would require the approval of at least 75 percent of union members. The longest BVG strike to date lasted 48 hours – however, indefinite strikes could paralyze public transport in Berlin for a significantly longer period.
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