German train strike banned by tribunal

A potentially crippling train strike in Germany has been put on hold after being banned by an industrial tribunal in Nuremburg. The GDL union, whose 34,000 members represent the bulk of the country’s train drivers, had planned a stoppage of freight services tomorrow.The action was to have been extended to passenger services by Monday unless the rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, increased a pay offer. The Nuremburg court stepped in after industry groups warned a strike could dent Germany’s economic growth if it lasted more that two weeks. GDL is looking for a 31 percent pay hike. However, two other unions, representing 134,000 rail workers, have already agreed a 4.9 percent rise. GDL says it is appealing the strike ban.

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