In a showdown with Germany's state-owned main railway operator, the GDL union has announced a six-day strike, demanding better pay and reduced working hours. The strike, set to begin at 2 a.m. on Wednesday and end at 6 p.m. on Monday, will impact passenger services operated by Deutsche Bahn. Freight trains will also be affected, with the strike commencing at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

The primary demand by the GDL union is for pay raises, coupled with a reduction of working hours from 38 to 35 per week, without any accompanying decrease in pay. This move, according to the union, would not only improve conditions for train drivers but also make working for the railway more appealing and facilitate the recruitment of new employees.

However, Deutsche Bahn has thus far rejected these demands, asserting their impracticality. The state-owned entity has argued that the union's proposal is unfeasible, potentially impeding the smooth functioning of the railway system.

This dispute between the GDL union and Deutsche Bahn is part of an ongoing bitter battle over employment conditions. The train operators have held a series of strikes in recent months, which have led to significant disruptions in train services across the country.

Passengers who rely on Deutsche Bahn services are advised to make alternative travel arrangements during the strike period. The union's latest call for strike action once again highlights the intensifying tension between labor unions and corporations in Germany, underscoring the need for a resolution that addresses the concerns of train drivers while considering the operational viability of the country's railway system.