German train drivers’ union GDL has ended its week-long strike, which is claimed to be the longest in the history of rail operator Deutsche Bahn.
The strike follows after a dispute with the rail operator over pay and negotiating rights, which disrupted cargo and passenger rail traffic in the country that carries 5.5 million passengers each day and nearly 620,000t on a daily basis.
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On behalf of other rail workers, including train stewards, the union had demanded for a 5% increase in pay and a reduction in weekly work hours to 37 from 39.
The government has called for mediation to resolve the dispute, which GDL has refused. These concerns could result in further stoppages in the near future.
State-owned Deutsche Bahn said in a statement that suburban and regional trains would be running as scheduled by the afternoon, while long distance services were expected to remain limited throughout the day.
The company also noted that it was preparing to restore services to normal throughout the course of the day.
GDL train drivers union head Claus Weselsky was quoted by newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeiting as saying that no further strikes were planned for the time being.
Zeiting said: "The country and the rail customers now deserve a break."
