Trains to Germany disrupted amid rail strike

Since 02:00 a.m. on Tuesday, many passenger trains have not been traveling due to a train drivers strike in Germany. The strike started on Monday with the stopping of freight trains, but has now entered a new phase.

The strike was organized by union GDL, a small union that represents only a part of the drivers. The union wants to continue the strike until 09:00 a.m. on Sunday, NOS reports. The Deutsche Bahn has set up an emergency timetable and hopes tat at least a third of the trains will still be able to travel between major cities.

NS International expects that some 10 thousand Dutch train travelers will be inconvenienced by this strike. There are no Intercity trains traveling between Amsterdam and Berlin at present. The high speed trains between Amsterdam and Frankfurt are still traveling on schedule.

The striking drivers are demanding higher wages, shorter hours and more recognition for their union. The Deutsche Bahn has announced that it is only willing to negotiate with the other union, that represent both drivers and all the other crew members.