Berlin’s budget vote sparks strikes as unions demand fair pay

Protests erupt as Berlin lawmakers vote on a contentious two-year budget. Will wage demands derail the city’s financial plans—or force a compromise?

, and Administrator

2025 December 18 . 5:06 AM

1 min read

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Berlin's House of Representatives passes state budget - Berlin’s budget vote sparks strikes as unions demand fair pay

Berlin’s House of Representatives is meeting for its final session of the year to vote on the 2026/2027 biennial budget. The debate, led by Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, comes as public sector workers stage strikes and protests across the city, demanding higher pay.

Unions like Verdi and GEW have organized warning strikes in schools, district offices, and state-run daycare centers. Outside the House of Representatives, workers gathered for a rally, pushing for better wages ahead of the election decision.

The outcome of the vote will set Berlin’s financial course for the next two years. With strikes ongoing and political tensions high, the budget’s approval—or rejection—will shape the city’s services and workforce negotiations in the months ahead.