A week-long strike by Berlin City Cleaning Company (BSR) workers has left 12,000 tons of garbage piled up on the streets, with cleanup efforts expected to take two weeks.

The strike, called by the Ver.di union after failed wage negotiations, halted waste collection, waste-to-energy plants, and biogas facilities from March 10-14. Overflowing bins and trash piles have raised health concerns, with warnings about rat infestations and disease risks.

With the strike over, 1,300 workers resumed collection, but negotiations remain unresolved. The union demands an 8% wage increase or at least €350 more per month, while employers reject the terms. No further strikes are planned for the next 14 days.