German Rail Strike Halts Trains Nationwide
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published December 10, 2018 | 09:10 PM
Germany was plunged into transport chaos Monday as train services were halted by a rail workers' strike over pay, affecting millions of passengers.
Inter-city and regional services as well as many urban commuter trains were cancelled throughout Europe's biggest economy by the four-hour stoppage that started at 05:00 am (0400 GMT), Deutsche Bahn (DB) said.
Although the walkout ended as planned at 09:00 am, its ripple effects will be felt for the rest of the day, particularly on long-distance lines, rail operator DB warned.
Some 1,400 trains, including cargo services, were affected, DB said, adding that both sides had agreed to return to the negotiation table on Tuesday.
The industrial action came after talks broke down Saturday between the DB and the EVG railworkers' union, which is demanding a 7.5-percent salary rise for 160,000 employees.
"We believe the warning strike was a total success," said EVG head Torsten Westphal.
"The next move is now up to Deutsche Bahn management.
" DB had earlier described the strike as a "completely unnecessary escalation" in the tortuous negotiations.
DB has so far offered a pay rise of 5.1 percent in two phases, with an option for staff to take extra time off instead, and a one-off payment of 500 Euros ($570), DPA national news agency reported.
A DB spokeswoman welcomed the decision to resume talks on Tuesday.
"We never left the negotiating table," she told AFP. "We have told the union that we are prepared to make another offer." Major transport hubs like Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich were among those impacted by the walkout.
DB said that purchased tickets would remain valid until next Sunday or could be refunded and urged passengers to delay travel where possible.
In the capital Berlin, where additionally the entire public announcement system broke down, frustrated morning commuters were asked to switch from S-Bahn commuter trains operated by DB to subways, buses or trams.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
Earthquake jolts Karachi
More Stories From World
-
Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences 'responsibly'
7 minutes ago -
Norway oil giant Equinor's profit falls on lower gas prices
8 minutes ago -
N. Macedonia's right-wing presidential candidate wins 1st round
27 minutes ago -
Vietnam court jails soft drinks tycoon in $40 million scam case
28 minutes ago -
The guardian angels of the source of the Seine
48 minutes ago -
Star Dudamel brings inclusive vision to New York Philharmonic
2 hours ago
-
Paris dream of swimming in the Seine finally within reach
2 hours ago -
Portugal's Carnation Revolution, 50 years on
2 hours ago -
Tough times for Argentine factories as consumers penny-pinch
2 hours ago -
Use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among youth 'alarming': WHO
2 hours ago -
Football: Italian Cup result
2 hours ago -
Bird flu in humans? Experts see little risk
2 hours ago