Train drivers in Germany have gone on strike this weekend in a row over pay and working hours.<br /><br />It is one of the busiest times of the year in Germany and the start of school holidays. Around two thirds of services across the country are expected to grind to a halt.<br /><br />Passengers at Cologne railway station were having mixed fortunes in getting their trains.<br /><br />One passenger said: “I must go to Langeoog and I cannot go there today. I must wait two days.”<br /><br />Another woman was also struggling, saying: “This is not so great – especially as they announced the strike so close to the weekend. I have come to Cologne and wanted to go to Duisburg and then back to Frankfurt. This is not possible now. So I will return to Frankfurt as quickly as possible.”<br /><br />However another passenger was in luck. “For the moment I am happy. My train is running. I will get home,” he said.<br /><br />Drivers‘ union GDL wants a five percent pay rise and a shortening of their working week from 39 hours to 37. <br /><br />State-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn has refused to negotiate with them. Two weeks ago, the company offered the union a 2 percent pay rise which it rejected.
