Train at Koln station.

Train at Koln station. Image by Hugh Llewelyn / CC BY-SA 2.0

German train drivers are on strike for a second day, causing scores of cancellations around the country. German rail operator Deutsche Bahn was able to keep some services running, but the dpa news agency reported that two-thirds of its long-distance trains and between 40% and 85% of its local trains were cancelled, depending on the region.

The GDL union, which is demanding a 5% pay increase and shorter working hours, said last week that talks with Deutsche Bahn had broken down. The main sticking point has been GDL’s insistence that it negotiate not just for train drivers but for other railway staff who are traditionally represented by a larger rival union.

The strike is due to end on Thursday night for passenger trains and on Friday for freight traffic.

(Press Association)