Berlin Public Transport Paralysed by 48-Hour Strike
Berlin, March 1 – Public transport in Berlin has been brought to a near-complete halt as the Verdi union continues its 48-hour warning strike, which began on Friday at 3 AM. Buses, trams, and U-Bahns operated by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Germany’s largest local transport company, remain out of service until Sunday morning. While S-Bahns and long-distance trains are running as usual, and some bus lines operated by other companies are still active, the strike has significantly impacted daily life in the German capital.
The Berlin Senate Department announced that schools might excuse absences on Friday in exceptional cases due to the transport disruptions.
Focus on Working Conditions, Not Just Wages
Unlike many industrial actions, this strike’s primary focus is not on higher wages. Verdi is negotiating the collective bargaining agreement that regulates working conditions. The union is demanding a 35-hour week with full wage compensation, longer rest periods, more vacation days, and higher allowances for night and weekend work.
Serat Canyurt, Verdi’s chief negotiator, told Tagesspiegel, “The workforce does not feel taken seriously.” He urged the employer to present a concrete offer at the next round of negotiations.
Solidarity and Criticism Amidst the Strike
Between 800 and 1500 striking workers gathered for a rally at Invalidenpark in Berlin. Ines Schwerdtner, federal chairwoman of the Left Party, stated, “The problem is not the strike. The problem is normal operations. Many politicians and also the people in this city cannot imagine what it means if you don’t have a break to go to the toilet.” She criticised the employer for not yet submitting an offer.
Bus driver Robin Balzat explained in a Tagesspiegel interview, “The BVG is currently advertising 30 vacation days. Effectively, due to shifts, it’s often only 28 or 29.” He added that a twelve-minute delay he experienced yesterday meant that “two minutes longer turnaround time doesn’t help me.”
However, not all affected individuals expressed understanding. Eikel Meier-Windhorst, 86, had to walk an hour and a half to the train station. He described the strike as “thoughtless,” stating, “They’ve already had four strikes in one year.” He noted that in Hamburg, where he is from, a good agreement had been reached.
Sachsen-Anhalt Also Affected
The strike is not limited to Berlin. Employees in Sachsen-Anhalt have also been striking since Thursday. In Magdeburg, no trams or buses were running on Saturday, while Halle implemented an emergency timetable from 5 AM to 8 PM. In Dessau-Roßlau and the Burgenlandkreis, bus services are suspended until Sunday.
Next Round of Negotiations and Potential for Further Action
The next round of negotiations between Verdi and the municipal employers’ associations is scheduled for March 4 and 5. Verdi has already begun consulting with its members to gauge their readiness for further strikes if employers do not present an acceptable offer.
This is the second warning strike in the current round of collective bargaining. The union’s demands highlight growing concerns among public transport workers regarding their working conditions and the need for better recognition of their contributions.
Source: https://www.upday.com/de/news/48-stunden-streik-lauft-berliner-nahverkehr-auch-am-samstag-stillgelegt/b2v7mex
