Millions in Germany hit by train strike, chaos ensues

Germany was plunged into transport chaos Monday as most train services were halted by a railworkers’ strike over pay, affecting millions of passengers.

Inter-city and regional services as well as many urban commuter trains were cancelled throughout Europe’s biggest economy by the four-hour stoppage from 5:00 am (04:00 GMT), Deutsche Bahn (DB) said.

The strike halted all highspeed ICE trains and other inter-city services as well as most cargo trains, and its ripple effects and delays were expected to continue well into the afternoon.

In the capital Berlin, where additionally the entire public announcement system broke down, frustrated commuters were asked to switch from SBahn commuter trains operated by DB to subways, buses or trams.

The strike came after talks broke down Saturday between the DB and the EVG railworkers’ union, which is demanding a 7.5-percent salary rise for 160,000 employees.

“The employer made offers which did not correspond to the demands of our members,” said EVG negotiator Regina Rusch-Ziemba.

DB shot back and described the strike as a “completely unnecessary escalation,” insisting its offer was “attractive and met the main demands” of employees.

DB had offered a pay rise of 5.1 percent in two phases, with an option for staff to take extra time off instead, and a one-off payment of 500 euros ($570), the DPA national news agency reported.