Train drivers for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn are to strike this week - the ninth walkout in 11 months.
The strike action, over pay and negotiating rights, will start at 14:00 today (May 19) for freight trains and at 01:00 Wednesday for passenger services.
The GDL union, which represents around 20,000 train drivers, wants a 5 per cent pay rise, a two-hour cut in the working week and the right to negotiate rights for other rail workers including conductors and carriage staff.
The union gave no end date for the strike but said it will last “somewhat longer than the last one”. The previous action lasted five days.
Deutsche Bahn has hit out at the action saying “strikes hurt everyone and cost time and money”.