The Verdi union is preparing a new pay round with BVG for early 2027. The focus is on wages, working hours and further relief; strikes are not ruled out.
Quick overview
This report is primarily relevant to rail travelers because it may have concrete effects on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on BVG, Verdi, public transport, Berlin, collective bargaining, industrial action and local public transport. The key points are summarized compactly below.
Key points
- The new BVG collective bargaining negotiations are due to begin in early 2027.
- Verdi will survey employees about their demands by December 4, 2026.
- The focus is on pay, working hours, shift lengths, split shifts and allowances.
- The union does not rule out industrial action, but wants to reach an agreement first.
- According to Verdi, more construction sites and rising delays are also increasing employees’ psychological stress.
What this means for travelers
If you travel during the period affected, you should check connections again shortly before departure, allow more time for transfers and keep flexible alternatives available. International journeys in particular can quickly lead to longer knock-on problems due to missed connections.
Context
Verdi has terminated parts of the existing public transport collective agreement and is preparing the next pay round. By mid-December 2026, the union is expected to submit a list of demands to the Kommunaler Arbeitgeberverband. In the already agreed framework collective agreement, the break time from 2027 was increased to an average of six minutes; a commission is to decide on further improvements. With more than 16,500 BVG employees, repeated warning strikes in the latest pay round and the state-owned company’s financial challenges, the negotiating round is looking conflict-prone.
What to watch now
- Check the connection in the rail company’s app on the day of travel.
- For important appointments, choose an earlier connection or an alternative route.
- Keep receipts and delay information in case you need reimbursement.