Freight pilots follow train drivers in strike

The German train drivers' union (GDL) called a nine-hour nationwide strike beginning at 9 p.m. local time (1900 UTC) on Tuesday and lasting until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

The nationwide action follows two three-hour strikes in recent weeks, initially targeting freight. It took place as pilots began a two-day strike at Lufthansa's freight arm, beginning at 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

GDL has said it wants a five-per-cent pay increase for its members, as well as shorter working hours. National rail operator Deutsche Bahn has rejected the demands.

The action brought severe disruption to local and regional train services in most of Germany's major urban areas. Some cancellations to long-distance services were also announced.

Deutsche Bahn said it was expecting the knock-on effects of the strike to cause "considerable disturbances" until about midday on Wednesday.

Rush hour delays expected

"Many people will not reach their destination or will arrive after experiencing lengthy delays," said Deutsche Bahn board member Ulrich Homburg. "Even in the morning when the strike is over, we expect severe disruptions during the rush hour," he said.

The Lufthansa Cargo strike is the Lufthansa pilots ground long-haul flightssixth this year to be announced by German pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit. The union wants management to retain a scheme that allows them to retire, at 55, and still receive a portion of their wages.

Lufthansa said ahead of the strike that all planned flights by its freight subsidiary were expected to take place.

"The good news for customers of Lufthansa Cargo is that the freight airline will carry out all planned flights during the strike period," the carrier said in a statement.

rc/jm (AFP, Reuters, dpa)