Germany rail strikes loom

For the seventh time in less than a year, Germany's train traffic could screech to a halt as the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL) announced nationwide strikes after rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) on Wednesday rejected an ultimatum in a months-long wage dispute.

"Due to a lack of progress (in the negotiations), the GDL's committees have unanimously decided to proceed with industrial action," said union boss Claus Weselsky.

The time and length of the strike has not yet been determined, but Weselsky had previously spoken of a 100-hour walkout - the equivalent of about four days. However, the GDL chief assured travellers that any action would be made known no less than 24 hours in advance.

"Extreme demands"

The union had given Germany's national rail operator a three-day ultimatum to accept a nine-point list of demands, including a shorter working week and a five-percent wage increase for some employees.

But DB representatives refused to bow to what they called GDL's "most extreme demands," blasting the threat of a strike as "excessive."

"There's no reason for this. The state of negotiations is such that we should be able to reach an agreement," head of the state-owned railway company Ulrich Weber said.

"Ultimatums won't get us anywhere," he added.

Weber also said DB had now submitted its own proposal, as well as offering another meeting with union representatives on February 26.

"I hope and expect that we can use the coming days to talk."

Blame game

However, GDL head Weselsky appears to have dug in his heels, saying that DB is trying to run out the clock, and urging it to sign the nine-point plan.

"All we want is for Deutsche Bahn to commit to this framework agreement," said Weselsky.

But there's a risk GDL's plan could backfire. Many Germans are running out of patience with the union's demands after a similar tug-of-war triggered a string of strikes last year, paralyzing public transportation for millions.

On Wednesday, Weselsky accused DB of exploiting customer outrage, saying the operator was using the media to "pin the blame on GDL."

Last year's walkouts affected more than 5.5. million people, costing Deutsche Bahn over 150 million euros (nearly $171 million) in lost revenue.

pad/uhe (AFP, dpa, Reuters)