German Strikes Defy Court Ruling

German train drivers have staged short walkouts in two of the country's busiest cities, defying a court ban brought by state rail operator Deutsche Bahn.

Drivers stopped work for two hours in Berlin and Hamburg, affecting commuter services.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn secured an injunction against strikes on commuter and freight services yesterday as German train drivers union GDL demanded a 31% pay rise for its staff.

Deutsche Bahn is expected to restart negotiations as soon as possible.

Reported by staff writer