3-day union strike brings train traffic to a near standstill across Germany
ABC News
A union representing many of Germany’s train drivers has started a nearly three-day strike in a rancorous dispute with the country’s state-owned main railway operator over working hours and pay
BERLIN -- A union representing many of Germany’s train drivers started a nearly three-day strike early Wednesday in a rancorous dispute with the country’s state-owned main railway operator over working hours and pay.
Train travel across the country and in many cities came to a near standstill with commuters and other travelers struggling to find alternatives involving long-distance bus or car travel or flights.
State-owned Deutsche Bahn said only around 20% of its long-distance trains were running and commuter trains in cities like Berlin were also not in operation.
The GDL union's strike on cargo trains began on Tuesday evening.
In the wage dispute, the GDL union had already called two previous warning strikes last year, which lasted a maximum of 24 hours in passenger transport. The current strike lasts until Friday at 6 p.m.
