Photo: Shutterstock Public transport in Berlin has come to a standstill.
The Verdi workers' union, which represents BVG employees, announced a 24-hour warning strike starting today (Monday) at 3:00 AM and lasting until 3:00 AM tomorrow. The union is demanding better working conditions and higher wages for its members.
BVG, Berlin's central public transport operator, runs the city's subways, trams, and buses and serves as the backbone of the capital's transit system. As a result of the strike, most public transport services, including all U-Bahn lines, trams, and the majority of bus routes operated by BVG, have been suspended.
Despite the strike, some bus routes managed by private companies, city train services (S-Bahn), and regional trains continue to operate as normal. However, significant traffic congestion has been reported on Berlin's roads, as many residents are now forced to rely on private vehicles or alternative transport options.
This is not the first major strike organized by Verdi. The union, known for advocating improved working conditions, was also behind last year's large-scale strikes in Germany. Those strikes shut down many airports nationwide until a new collective labor agreement for ground and security staff was reached.