FRANKFURT, Germany, March 4, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - German train drivers union GDL on Monday announced a "wave of strikes" starting this week, after talks with rail operator Deutsche Bahn over better pay and a shorter work week broke down.

The first strike will last for 35 hours and begin at 1700 GMT Wednesday for cargo services, and at 0100 GMT on Thursday for passenger rail, GDL boss Claus Weselsky told reporters. "We are starting a so-called wave of strikes", he said, which means "rail is no longer a reliable means of transport".