GERMANY’S train drivers brought rail traffic to a standstill again today morning as they began a six-day strike in a bitter dispute with the country’s main railway operator over working hours and pay.

The strike by the GDL union will affect passenger services and freight trains operated by state-owned Deutsche Bahn until 6pm local time on Monday.

The union held a three-day strike earlier this month and two walkouts last year which lasted up to 24 hours.