German train drivers strike for 31% pay rise

German commuters are dealing with travel disruptions for the second time in a week as train drivers on regional lines strike over pay. Rail operator Deutsche Bahn made the drivers a fifth pay-offer earlier in the week, comprising a ten per cent rise in wages and a one-off payment of 2000 euros.

The union GDL is holding out for a 31 per cent increase.

The GDL union claims its 34 000 members are poorly paid compared to their counterparts in other parts of Europe.

It also wants a unique wages contract for drivers only, separating them from other rail workers – a move economists claim could push up wage costs for the company as a whole.

Deutsche Bahn wants to keep an agreement across the whole sector.

The union is planning more stoppages tomorrow and next week.

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