Germany's train drivers to go on nationwide 2-day strike

The head of Germany's train driver’s union says members plan to  go on a nationwide strike starting Tuesday night

BERLIN -- Germany's train drivers plan to go on a nationwide strike starting Tuesday night, the head of the train driver's union said after announcing that 95% of the union members had voted to back the move. Travelers were warned to expect disruptions. The head of the GDL union, Claus Weselsky, told reporters the strike would start with all cargo trains at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT) Tuesday and expand to include passengers trains from 2 a.m. (0000 GMT) Wednesday until 2 a.m. Friday, The union is demanding a 3.2% salary increase and a one-time “coronavirus bonus” of 600 euros ($703). German train operator Deutsche Bahn has rejected the demands. The company has lost billions since the start of the pandemic and from recent floods that destroyed or damaged numerous railroad tracks.