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Strikes Hit German Commuters

Train worker walk out in third day; negotiations at a standstill

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2007 6:00 AM CST

(Newser) – France isn't the only country suffering a railway strike this week. In Germany, millions of commuters are stranded as a dispute over pay hikes enters its third day. The strike, which began on freight services, has now expanded to commuter trains, reports the Telegraph. It's the most serious strike in Germany's history and comes at a critical moment for Chancellor Angela Merkel's increasingly fractious government coalition.

Deutsche Bahn, the country's largest employer, refuses to offer more concessions to the 34,000 train drivers who have walked off the job and demanded raises of up to 31%. The organization has taken out ads in the German press explaining its position, and the public has generally not supported the strike. The German unions—unlike their French counterparts—have promised to end their strike tomorrow morning.

Cars move slowly next to empty rails towards downtown Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. German train drivers launched a strike on the country's passenger network Thursday, joining... (Associated Press)

A man walks on a platform of Berlin central station during the strike of German train drivers in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. German train drivers launched a strike on the country's passenger... (Associated Press)

A young woman waits for the arrival of her regional train in Dresden, eastern Germany, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. German train drivers launched a strike on the country's passenger network Thursday, joining... (Associated Press)

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Strikes Hit German Commuters

Train worker walk out in third day; negotiations at a standstill

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German President Quits in Corruption Scandal

Christian Wulff's exit a blow to Angela Merkel

France, Germany Discussing Pared Down Euro Zone

Controversial plan means some countries would be out

Belgium Bails Out Failing Dexia

Belgian division to be nationalized; Belgium, France offer guarantees

Merkel, Sarko Reach Bank Deal

Mum on details, will pitch to EU leaders this month

Germany OKs Expanded Bailout

Merkel gets her win; move designed to shore up euro zone

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Strikes Hit German Commuters

Train worker walk out in third day; negotiations at a standstill

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Angela Merkel • Germany • Deutsche Bahn • transit strike

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

German President Quits in Corruption Scandal

Christian Wulff's exit a blow to Angela Merkel

France, Germany Discussing Pared Down Euro Zone

Controversial plan means some countries would be out

Belgium Bails Out Failing Dexia

Belgian division to be nationalized; Belgium, France offer guarantees

Merkel, Sarko Reach Bank Deal

Mum on details, will pitch to EU leaders this month

Germany OKs Expanded Bailout

Merkel gets her win; move designed to shore up euro zone

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?