THE union representing many of Germany’s train drivers have called for another strike in a long dispute with the state-owned main railway operator over working hours and pay.

The GDL union called on drivers of Deutsche Bahn’s passenger trains to walk out for 24 hours starting early this morning. 

Meanwhile, freight train drivers were due to walk off the job last night, action that was announced on Sunday evening. It follows a union statement that it would no longer give a 48-hour notice before striking. It follows a one-and-a-half-day walkout last week.

The main sticking point in the dispute that has dragged on for months is GDL’s claim for working hours to be reduced from 38 to 35 hours per week without a pay cut.

In several weeks of talks between the two sides, mediators suggested a reduction from 38 to 36 hours by 2028, but details of their proposal didn’t satisfy GDL, with the union demanding a new offer by Sunday evening.

Transport Minister Volker Wissing told the Bild newspaper that “striking instead of negotiating is irresponsible,” pressing GDL to resume talks.

Mr Wissing went on to accuse GDL chairman Claus Weselsky of “overstepping the mark.”