Trains canceled across Germany as 3-day rail strike begins

BERLIN

German train divers began a three-day strike on Wednesday over an ongoing dispute with the national rail operator over wages and working hours.

State-owned Deutsche Bahn said due to the strike by the drivers’ union GDL, there will be massive disruptions in long-distance, regional and suburban rail services between Wednesday and Friday.

“The emergency timetable only ensures very limited train services on DB's long-distance, regional and S-Bahn services. Please refrain from unnecessary journeys during the GDL strike and postpone your journey to another time,” the rail operator said in a statement.

GDL union’s leader Claus Weselsky sharply criticized the management of Deutsche Bahn, and said the latest offer by the rail operator was like a “provocation” and far from meeting their demands.

“If no new offer comes by Friday, we will take a break, and then take the steps for the next strike action,” he told public broadcaster ARD, soon after train drivers stopped work on Wednesday morning.

The GDL is insisting on a salary increase of €555 (about $600) per month, and a one-off inflation compensation premium of up to €3,000 (about $3,250). The union is also demanding a reduction in working hours for shift workers, from 38 to 35 hours per week, with no reduction in pay.

BERLIN

German train divers began a three-day strike on Wednesday over an ongoing dispute with the national rail operator over wages and working hours.

State-owned Deutsche Bahn said due to the strike by the drivers’ union GDL, there will be massive disruptions in long-distance, regional and suburban rail services between Wednesday and Friday.

GDL union’s leader Claus Weselsky sharply criticized the management of Deutsche Bahn, and said the latest offer by the rail operator was like a “provocation” and far from meeting their demands.