Mediation Begins in BVG-Verdi Wage Dispute as Strike Pause Takes Effect

Experienced mediators Matthias Platzeck and Bodo Ramelow will lead discussions, while Verdi continues voting on potential indefinite strikes.

The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and the Verdi union have entered a mediation process to resolve a wage dispute affecting 16,600 employees.
A strike pause is in effect until April 10, 2025, while the mediation process is underway, following five warning strikes since January.
Former state premiers Matthias Platzeck and Bodo Ramelow, with a history of resolving major labor conflicts, have been appointed as mediators.
Verdi is demanding a €750 monthly wage increase, which BVG has rejected as unaffordable, proposing a staged €375 increase over two years instead.
Despite the mediation, Verdi is proceeding with a member vote on indefinite strikes, with results expected by early April.