Berlin Transit Wage Talks Stall Despite New BVG Offer

BVG proposes a 13.6% wage increase and reduced contract duration, but Verdi maintains demands for higher pay and shorter terms.

The Berlin transit authority BVG has presented an updated offer in the fifth round of wage negotiations with the Verdi union, including a 13.6% pay increase over two years.
BVG's proposal includes an additional €240 per month retroactive to January 2025, and another €135 per month starting March 2026.
The union Verdi continues to demand €750 more per month, a 12-month contract term, and higher shift-related allowances, which BVG has called unaffordable.
Both sides have made progress on working hours, with BVG offering employees the option to extend their weekly hours from 37.5 to 39 for a 4.7% pay boost.
If no agreement is reached by March 21, Verdi has warned of potential indefinite strikes, following previous short-term strikes that disrupted Berlin's transit system.