Collective negotiations failed
New warning strike in Berlin’s local transport
Local transport in Berlin has been largely quiet since January. The negotiating table is not progressing. The union increases the pressure on the company.
After the failure of the collective bargaining between the Berlin transport companies (BVG) and Verdi, another warning strike is coming to the passengers in the capital. The union calls for the 48-hour strip at the BVG for Wednesday and Thursday next week.
At the same time, Verdi wants to prepare a vote on permanent strikes, said negotiator Jeremy Arndt. This will last from March 26 to April 4th. A longer strike would not come to the Berliners until April. Verdi emphasized that the employer is responsible for further industrial action.
BVG suggests arbitration
The BVG was irritated by the trade union’s approach and sentenced the announcement of other warning strikes “strongest”. “While the BVG suggests arbitration to solve the conflict, the union reacts destructively. You don’t do that,” said the company.
The BVG had called for the conflict to argue after Verdi declared the negotiations for failed. External intermediaries in the tariff conflict would try to find an agreement. This can start next week, emphasized HR head of HR Zeller-Grothe.
“The BVG also started today to find good, common solutions for our employees and the company,” said the company. “It is not understandable why there is no movement on Verdi.”
Verdi has paralyzed the BVG four times since January
Both sides have been negotiating a new collective agreement for around 16,000 employees since mid -January. Since then, Verdi has largely paralyzed Berlin local transport – most recently on Wednesday and Thursday.
The basic salary is the crux of the negotiations. Verdi had entered negotiations with a claim of 750 euros more with a term of twelve months. The latest offer from the BVG was gradually 375 euros and 24 months of term.
dpa
Source: Stern
