Public transport workers (BVG) in Berlin, the capital of Germany, went on strike today, demanding “better working conditions and higher wages.” The strike which started at 03:00 local time in Berlin today will last until 03:00 tomorrow.
Public transport workers went on strike in Berlin, the capital of Germany. The public transport workers, who joined the 24-hour walkout upon the call of the labor union Verdi, demanded “better working conditions and higher wages.”
As part of the strike organized by Verdi to increase pressure on the BVG ahead of the collective bargaining negotiations to be held on Friday, bus, metro and tram services were halted, while the city suburban trains (S-Bahn) affiliated with a different company and some subcontractor bus companies working for the BVG continued their services.
The S-Bahn added additional services to some lines in order to prevent congestion in transportation.
The strike, which started in Berlin at 03:00 local time today, will last until 03:00 tomorrow. TRAFFIC NEGATIVELY AFFECTED
Transportation was paralyzed on the first day of the week due to the strike. While vehicle traffic in the city intensified, traffic came to a standstill especially on connecting roads, motorway entrances and highways.
The strike directed Berliners to alternative means of transportation such as bicycles, e-scooters and mopeds.
While taxis were working overtime, some citizens who were not aware of the strike waited patiently at bus stops.
750 EURO MONTHLY INCREASE DEMAND
The strike is a reaction to the wage negotiations between Verdi and BVG, which have so far failed.
The union accuses BVG management of not yet presenting a reasonable offer in the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
Verdi is demanding a 750 euro monthly wage increase, a 300 euro driver’s service and rotating shift allowance, and a one-time 13-month salary for 16,600 BVG employees.
