Understanding the BVG Strike: What Expats in Berlin Need to Know
Public transportation strikes can be confusing, especially for newcomers and expats in Germany. On February 10, 2025, Berlin experienced a significant disruption due to a 24-hour strike by BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe), the city’s main public transport operator.
This strike brought buses, trams, and U-Bahn (subway) services to a halt, leaving many commuters scrambling for alternatives. If you’re unfamiliar with how strikes work in Germany or the reasons behind this particular action, this guide will help you understand the situation, the alternatives available, and what the law says about getting to work during a transport strike.
Why Did BVG Workers Go on Strike?
Negotiations for these demands have been ongoing since mid-2024, with several smaller strikes taking place throughout the year.
The BVG management responded with a counteroffer, proposing a 15.3% salary increase spread over four years, along with more substantial allowances for those working in shifts.
However, Verdi criticized the proposal, arguing that the incremental increases wouldn’t keep pace with inflation and that the changes wouldn’t address the immediate financial pressures faced by the workers.
The strike is part of a broader pattern across Germany, where public sector workers in various cities are pushing for wage increases to cope with the rising cost of living. Previous strikes, such as the BVG walkout in 2019, also centered on similar concerns about wages and working conditions.
The strike was organized by the trade union Verdi, which represents approximately 16,000 BVG employees. The primary demands were focused on better wages and improved working conditions. The union is asking for:
- A monthly pay increase of €750 for all employees
- The introduction of a 13th-month salary (often referred to as a Christmas bonus)
- Additional allowances for shift work
The BVG management responded with a counteroffer, proposing a 15.3% salary increase spread over four years, along with more substantial allowances for those working in shifts.
However, Verdi criticized the proposal, arguing that the incremental increases wouldn’t keep pace with inflation and that the changes wouldn’t address the immediate financial pressures faced by the workers.
The strike is part of a broader pattern across Germany, where public sector workers in various cities are pushing for wage increases to cope with the rising cost of living.
Which Cities Are Affected?
While this specific strike focused on Berlin, it occurred alongside similar actions in other German cities, including Frankfurt, Essen, and Hamburg. The common thread is the push for better wages and working conditions in the public transport sector.
As Germany grapples with inflation and economic challenges, more strikes could follow in the coming months. Additionally, these strikes can significantly impact intercity commuters who rely on connecting services and tourists unfamiliar with alternative transport options, causing delays and confusion.
While this specific strike focused on Berlin, it occurred alongside similar actions in other German cities, including Frankfurt, Essen, and Hamburg. The common thread is the push for better wages and working conditions in the public transport sector. As Germany grapples with inflation and economic challenges, more strikes could follow in the coming months.
How Does the BVG Strike Affect Commuters?
The BVG strike significantly impacted daily life in Berlin. Here’s what changed:
- U-Bahn (Subway): All subway lines were suspended for the duration of the strike.
- Trams: Tram services came to a complete halt.
- Buses: Most buses were out of service, with only a few private services operating.
The strike didn’t affect the S-Bahn, which is run by Deutsche Bahn (DB), or regional and long-distance trains. However, these services experienced overcrowding as commuters turned to alternative transit options.
Additionally, accessibility services, such as transportation options for individuals with disabilities, were significantly impacted. Many paratransit services were unavailable or had limited capacity during the strike, leaving affected passengers with fewer alternatives.
What Are the Alternatives During The Strike?
If you rely on public transportation, a strike can throw your plans into disarray. Here are some alternative options to consider:
- S-Bahn and Regional Trains:
- The S-Bahn, which runs through Berlin and into the suburbs, continued to operate during the strike.
- Regional trains also ran as scheduled, but with increased passenger volumes.
- Bicycles and E-Scooters:
- Berlin has a well-developed bike lane network, and many residents turned to cycling.
- E-scooter and bike-sharing services like Lime, Tier, and Nextbike saw a spike in usage.
- Car-Sharing and Ride-Hailing:
- Car-sharing services like Share Now and Miles were popular alternatives.
- Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt experienced increased demand, though surge pricing made rides more expensive.
- Walking:
- For shorter distances, many Berliners opted to walk, particularly in central districts where essential services remained accessible.
The Difference Between a BVG Strike and a Deutsche Bahn Strike
To understand the impact of public transport strikes in Germany, it’s essential to distinguish between BVG and DB strikes.
- BVG Strikes: These strikes affect buses, trams, and the U-Bahn within Berlin. BVG is a municipal transport company, and strikes are usually limited to city services. For example, a major BVG strike in 2019 disrupted local transit for several days, impacting commuters across the city.
- DB Strikes: Deutsche Bahn operates the S-Bahn in Berlin, along with regional and long-distance train services across Germany. When DB workers strike, the disruptions are more widespread, impacting both city commutes and intercity travel. One notable instance was the nationwide rail strike in 2021, which halted train services across Germany and affected both daily commuters and international travelers.
For instance, during the BVG strike in February 2025, the S-Bahn and regional trains were unaffected. However, when DB drivers went on strike earlier that year, train services across Germany were severely disrupted, causing chaos on national routes.
To understand the impact of public transport strikes in Germany, it’s essential to distinguish between BVG and Deutsche Bahn (DB) strikes.
- BVG Strikes: These strikes affect buses, trams, and the U-Bahn within Berlin. BVG is a municipal transport company, and strikes are usually limited to city services.
- DB Strikes: Deutsche Bahn operates the S-Bahn in Berlin, along with regional and long-distance train services across Germany. When DB workers strike, the disruptions are more widespread, impacting both city commutes and intercity travel.
For instance, during the BVG strike in February 2025, the S-Bahn and regional trains were unaffected. However, when DB drivers went on strike earlier that year, train services across Germany were severely disrupted, causing chaos on national routes.
Do Employees Have to Go to Work During a Strike?
In Germany, the law generally holds employees responsible for arriving at work on time, even when public transportation is disrupted. This concept is known as “Wegerisiko” (route risk).
Employers are not obligated to pay employees who fail to show up due to transport strikes unless prior agreements or home-office arrangements are in place. The German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB) and various labor court rulings reinforce this obligation.
If you’re affected by a strike, here are some steps you can take:
- Inform Your Employer Early: Let your employer know as soon as possible if you’re struggling to find alternative transportation.
- Use Available Alternatives: Document your efforts to reach the workplace, as some employers may show leniency if they see you made a genuine attempt.
- Request Remote Work: If your job allows remote work, discuss this option with your employer.
Some companies have internal policies that allow for more flexibility during strikes, especially in cities heavily dependent on public transportation. Check with your HR department for guidance.
In Germany, the law generally holds employees responsible for arriving at work on time, even when public transportation is disrupted. This concept is known as “Wegerisiko” (route risk). Employers are not obligated to pay employees who fail to show up due to transport strikes unless prior agreements or home-office arrangements are in place.
If you’re affected by a strike, here are some steps you can take:
- Inform Your Employer Early: Let your employer know as soon as possible if you’re struggling to find alternative transportation.
- Use Available Alternatives: Document your efforts to reach the workplace, as some employers may show leniency if they see you made a genuine attempt.
- Request Remote Work: If your job allows remote work, discuss this option with your employer.
The Irony of the Strikes
While public transport workers strike for better pay and conditions, private sector employees must still find ways to get to work, often facing penalties if they don’t. The irony is clear: Some workers, supported by law, halt services to demand more money and benefits, yet their actions put the jobs of private sector employees at risk.
Small businesses and companies reliant on punctual staff suffer losses, as their employees struggle to reach work. The strike reveals the contrasting realities: one group fighting for more while others work harder to compensate for the disruption.
Tips for Future Strikes
Strikes in Germany are often announced in advance, giving commuters some time to prepare. Here are a few tips to navigate future strikes more smoothly:
- Stay Informed: Follow local news outlets and BVG’s official channels for announcements.
- Use Helpful Apps: Download apps like BVG FahrInfo, DB Navigator, and Google Maps to track available transport options and disruptions.
- Plan Alternatives Early: Book car-sharing services and check bike availability a day before the strike.
- Discuss Options with Your Employer: If you regularly rely on public transport, consider discussing a contingency plan with your employer.
- Join Community Groups: Local expat and neighborhood groups often share real-time tips and ride-share opportunities.
Public transport strikes can be inconvenient, but understanding the reasons behind them and preparing in advance can help you navigate these challenges more effectively. For newcomers, it’s a learning curve, but with a bit of planning, you’ll adapt to these occasional disruptions like a local.
