BVG Negotiations: Verdi to Announce Potential Strike in Berlin

The ongoing wage negotiations between the Verdi union and the Berlin Transport Company (BVG) are set to reach a critical juncture this Friday afternoon. Verdi is expected to announce whether it will initiate another strike and, if so, the timing and duration of such action.

In recent days, Verdi has conducted consultations with its members regarding the BVG's revised wage proposal. A spokesperson for Verdi indicated that the union's bargaining committee would convene to deliberate on the next steps, with an announcement anticipated around 4 PM.

It appears that the question is not if a strike will occur, but rather how long the third warning strike will last and when it will commence. Reports suggest that the revised offer made by the BVG still falls short of meeting the expectations of the union members.

Verdi's lead negotiator has stated that significant disparities remain regarding both the amount of the wage increase and the proposed duration of the contract. An extension of four years is deemed unacceptable by the union.

Last week, during the third round of negotiations, the BVG improved its offer from an earlier proposal of a 15 percent wage increase to an average of 17.6 percent across the contract period, which extends until the end of 2028. This revised offer particularly benefits the drivers.

The BVG has also proposed aligning shift and driver allowances to a uniform rate of 200 euros per month, potentially resulting in an additional monthly income of 325 euros for drivers. According to the BVG, this constitutes a 19.2 percent increase in wages for drivers. The BVG's representative characterized this offer as a significant financial undertaking.

In return, the BVG is seeking concessions regarding the contract duration, which they argue would provide the company with necessary planning security.

During the last strike, Verdi issued an ultimatum: if the BVG fails to present an acceptable proposal during the upcoming fifth round of negotiations scheduled for March 21, the union will conduct a vote among its members regarding an indefinite strike.

The next round of negotiations is slated for February 26-27, followed by a four-week break before the March discussions. Both parties have tentatively reserved April 10 for a sixth meeting.

Despite the tensions, there are signs of willingness to negotiate from both sides. Verdi's negotiator noted some positive developments in the employer's latest offer, including the introduction of a fixed amount for allowances and a standardized rate for shift and driver allowances. This contrasts with the initial offer of 15 percent, which had been criticized as insubstantial.

The ongoing negotiations are crucial, as they pertain to the financial futures of the 16,000 BVG employees. Verdi is advocating for a monthly salary increase of 750 euros, a 13th salary, and additional allowances for shift and driver duties. Collectively, these demands could lead to an increase exceeding 30 percent for each employee, with the BVG estimating the total cost of these demands at approximately 250 million euros.

The backdrop of these negotiations highlights a significant gap that has not been seen in over 15 years. The last major labor dispute occurred in 2008, resulting in a six-week strike.