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Berlin’s transport workers demand fairer shifts and rest in union talks

Berlin’s bus and train drivers say enough is enough. With 99% demanding relief, Verdi’s bold proposals could reshape Germany’s transportation labor standards.

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1 min read
This is a presentation and here we can see vehicles on the road and we can see some text written.
This is a presentation and here we can see vehicles on the road and we can see some text written.

Berlin’s transport workers demand fairer shifts and rest in union talks

Verdi has initiated discussions to enhance working conditions for Berlin’s public transport employees. The union presented demands on Thursday for 16,000 workers at BVG and Berlin Transport. Key issues include stricter rest periods, shorter shifts, and additional leave to alleviate workload pressures.

The first round of talks begins on January 13, marking the start of nationwide bargaining for local transport workers across Germany’s cities and states.

The union’s proposals focus on reducing strain on overworked staff. A recent Verdi survey found 99% of BVG employees prioritize workload relief. Among the demands are a guaranteed eleven-hour rest between shifts and a twelve-hour cap on shift lengths. Verdi also wants to extend driver turnaround times to six minutes, ensuring breaks are not cut short.

Split shifts—where long gaps separate work blocks—are another concern. The union is pushing for higher allowances for these shifts and their complete removal on weekends and holidays. Three extra days of annual leave are also on the table.

Pay and bonuses are not part of these talks, as a new wage deal was agreed in April after mediation. On Thursday, union members gathered outside BVG headquarters to highlight their demands. However, no employer representatives were present to receive the proposals in person.

Negotiations will involve Verdi and employer representatives from BVG and Berlin Transport. The outcome will set a precedent for nearly 150 municipal operators nationwide, including those in Hamburg and Bremen.

The talks aim to address long-standing issues like unpaid breaks and excessive working hours. If successful, the changes would apply to thousands of transport workers in Berlin. The results could also influence similar agreements across Germany’s public transport sector.

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