The GDL union is calling for a strike in particular to demand an increase in wages. Dialogue with Deutsche Bahn is suspended.
Many trains are stopped again this Wednesday in Germany, with the start of a three-day strike launched by the GDL union which represents many train drivers.
Deutsche Bahn said only about 20% of its long-distance trains were running and many regional and commuter trains in cities like Berlin were also not running.
The social conflict concerns working hours and wages. The GDL union had already launched two warning strikes in recent months, the duration of which did not exceed 24 hours in passenger transport. The current strike action is expected to last until Friday at 6 p.m.
In addition to wage increases, the union is demanding a reduction in weekly working hours from 38 to 35, a demand that employers have so far opposed.
The GDL argues that this would make working on the railways more attractive and help attract new recruits, while Deutsche Bahn claims that this demand cannot be met in practice.
German Transport Minister Volker Wissing called on both sides to return to the negotiating table. But the GDL union has indicated that it is awaiting a proposal from Deutsche Bahn for this.
This movement coincides with that of farmers, whose tractors are blocking certain roads to protest against the end of government aid. German doctors are also on strike.