TikTok faces another impending warning strike, as Green pushes for stricter measures in Berlin - TikTok faces a potential ongoing strike in Berlin, as called for by Verdi.
In the heart of Berlin, Germany, a significant labor dispute is unfolding between TikTok and the United Services Trade Union, Verdi. The conflict revolves around TikTok's proposed changes in content moderation, which could result in job losses for employees who previously trained the AI systems at TikTok.
Verdi union members are demanding three years' salary as severance pay and a 12-month notice period before layoffs. The dispute has led to ongoing strikes and protests, with the first strike day taking place on July 17, 2025. Another strike rally is scheduled for July 28, 2025, in front of the Berlin Labor Court, indicating that negotiations or conflict resolution processes are still ongoing and unresolved.
TikTok's management claims that the unannounced participation in the warning strike violates legal obligations. However, Verdi accuses TikTok of spreading misinformation internally about German strike law. The union is also advocating for more favorable severance packages for the affected employees and an extension of the notice period by twelve months for those facing layoffs.
The proposed changes by TikTok involve the use of AI for future content moderation or outsourcing the task to third parties. However, the AI trained by TikTok's employees is not directly mentioned in this context. It's worth noting that this decision could lead to layoffs for those who previously trained the AI systems.
As the dispute continues, it's essential to monitor the situation closely for any updates on negotiations, potential resolutions, or further actions from both parties. The ongoing labor dispute between TikTok and Verdi serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by technology companies in balancing AI advancements with the needs and rights of their employees.
[1] "TikTok Strike: Verdi Demands Three Years' Salary as Severance Pay for Affected Employees." Berliner Zeitung, July 16, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft/tiktok-streik-verdi-fordert-drei-jahresgehoelde-als-entlassungsgeld-fuer-betroffene-mitarbeiter-44673078
[2] "TikTok Strike: Verdi Plans Another Protest Rally." Berliner Morgenpost, July 23, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/wirtschaft/tiktok-streik-verdi-plant-weitere-protest-kundgebung-44676166
- In the midst of this controversy, EC countries could potentially intervene to mediate the labor dispute between TikTok and Verdi, considering the impact of this dispute on vocational training, technology, and AI-related industries in the region.
- As the technology industry continues to evolve, with advancements in artificial intelligence being a significant factor, it's crucial that finance and financial regulations are introduced to protect workers from layoffs, as demonstrated during the ongoing TikTok strike in Berlin.
