Berlin's public transportation network is poised for another significant disruption as the Verdi trade union has announced a 48-hour strike, commencing at 3:00 AM on March 20 and concluding at 3:00 AM on March 22. This decision follows the failure of recent salary negotiations with the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), which operates the city’s public transport services, affecting around 16,000 employees.

The core of the ongoing dispute lies in Verdi's demand for a monthly pay raise of €750.

The union argues that this increase is essential to help employees cope with the rising costs of living and to ensure BVG salaries are competitive with national standards.

Jeremy Arndt, Verdi’s lead negotiator, criticized the company for its inadequate proposals, asserting that current salary levels do not meet the economic challenges faced by workers.

After six rounds of negotiations, the latest discussions on March 17 failed to yield a consensus, prompting Verdi to announce a member vote set to take place from March 26 to April 4 regarding the potential for an indefinite strike.

In response, BVG management has labeled Verdi's €750 pay demand as unrealistic, expressing concerns that such an increase could threaten both employee and passenger services.

In a public statement, BVG expressed disappointment in the union’s decision to strike, proposing mediation as a means to resolve the stalemate and emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.

This announcement comes in the wake of previous industrial actions that have disrupted public transportation services in Berlin several times since the beginning of the year.

A complete shutdown of BVG services occurred recently, coinciding with significant traffic disruptions caused by a bridge closure on the A100 highway, although S-Bahn and regional trains were not impacted by these strikes.

The potential for prolonged strikes has raised concerns among stakeholders, particularly given that similar labor disputes in the past, notably in 2008, resulted in extended service interruptions.

The current negotiations occur against a backdrop of inflation that has surged in recent months, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, complicating financial discussions between the union and BVG.

BVG has acknowledged the necessity for salary adjustments but cited fiscal constraints as a limiting factor in negotiations.

The company previously offered a tiered wage increase of €375 spread over 24 months, accompanied by additional bonuses.

However, Verdi dismissed this proposal as insufficient in addressing the needs of its members.

The outcomes of the upcoming member vote and subsequent negotiations will be closely monitored as the possibility of further disruptions in Berlin's public transport system remains a pressing concern.