German Freight Drivers Strike

Striking German freight drivers have brought cargo trains to a standstill as a strike over pay and better working conditions enters its second day.

The German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) called for strikes in rail freight traffic from lunchtime yesterday to 6am on Saturday 10 November as train drivers rejected an offer from German state controlled rail company Deutsche Bahn AG for a new round of wage talks.

Economists calculate each day of the strike could cost the national economy €50m with companies warning of a major disruption to manufacturing, writes news site Euronews.

Strike action is currently focused on the eastern and south-eastern regions of Germany, with the situation expected to spread further during this evening.

Last month, GDL called for nationwide strikes on the commuter and freight network after train drivers demanded a 30 percent salary increase from Deutsche Bahn AG.

By staff writer