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Germany Steels for Rail Strike

Drivers' union action promises major roadblock for summer travelers

Posted Aug 7, 2007 6:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – A rebellious union of German train drivers has voted overwhelmingly to strike on Thursday, setting the stage for the country's largest industrial action in over a decade, reports the Financial Times. Travelers began canceling trips as the railway dug in, refusing to negotiate with workers and insisting that it could withstand a strike.

Although Deutsche Bahn successfully negotiated pay increases with its two largest unions, the drivers' union refused to take part and is demanding raises of 31% for its employees. The railway, which is in the process of privatization, hopes to continue a minimal service for travelers but estimates that the strike will cost Germany half a billion euros a day.

utsche Bahn AG's drivers, launched a four-hour walkout. That came on top of strikes by members of two other unions in a separate wage dispute with the company. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (Associated Press)

Leader of the German engine driver's union Manfred Schell empties boxes containing ballots on a strike cast by 12,000 engine drivers in Frankfurt, central Germany, Monday, Aug. 6, 2007. The engineers... (Associated Press)

A train driver looks out of his train at the train station in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, July 3, 2007. A strike by train drivers and other railway employees caused major disruption across Germany Tuesday... (Associated Press)

An engine driver closes his train door at the main train station in Frankfurt, central Germany, Monday, Aug. 6, 2007. The drivers who guide Germany's trains across its vast network of railways voted overwhelmingly... (Associated Press)

Chairman of German train drivers' union Manfred Schell gestures during a press conference in Frankfurt, central Germany, Monday, Aug. 6, 2007. The drivers who guide Germany's trains across its vast network... (Associated Press)

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Germany Steels for Rail Strike

Drivers' union action promises major roadblock for summer travelers

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Hundreds Rescued From 122° German Trains

Air conditioning breaks, windows don't open

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Freak Weather Snarls Europe Travel

Frustrated travelers camp out in airports, train stations

Ohio, Wisconsin Spurn $1.2B to Build Train Lines

Stimulus funds will go to other states

French Cops Force Open Blockaded Fuel Depot

Workers have been camped at site for 10 days

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Germany Steels for Rail Strike

Drivers' union action promises major roadblock for summer travelers

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Travel • Germany • wages • union • train • railway • strike • Deutsche Bahn

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Hundreds Rescued From 122° German Trains

Air conditioning breaks, windows don't open

Hyatt Turns Heat Lamps on Above Picketers

In Chicago ... during a heat wave ...

Freak Weather Snarls Europe Travel

Frustrated travelers camp out in airports, train stations

Ohio, Wisconsin Spurn $1.2B to Build Train Lines

Stimulus funds will go to other states

French Cops Force Open Blockaded Fuel Depot

Workers have been camped at site for 10 days

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?