BERLIN
German train drivers are to stage a nine-hour walkout Tuesday, the German Train Drivers’ Union said, prompting fears of nationwide travel chaos.
Drivers at Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s rail operator and the largest in Europe, will strike from 21.00 local time (19.00 GMT) Tuesday to 06.00 local time Wednesday, the union added.
It is the first national railway strike since 2011. Deutsche Bahn accused the union of “totally excessive” action and warned considerable disruption and delays should be expected until Wednesday afternoon.
The union, which represents 34,000 train drivers, is demanding a five percent pay rise and a reduced 37-hour working week.
In a statement it said there had not been “substantive negotiation” and called on the railway to accept the demands.
Last month, two warning strikes were held before 91 percent of the union’s members voted for national industrial action.
www.aa.com.tr/en
