German train drivers kick off strike campaign; Lufthansa pilots to hit airline's cargo unit

A union representing German train drivers has called members out on a nine-hour strike Tuesday night, starting a campaign of walkouts after members voted for strikes in a pay dispute.

The GDL union set the strike at national railway Deutsche Bahn for 9 p.m. (1900 GMT) Tuesday through 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) Wednesday.

GDL wants a 5 percent pay increase and shorter working hours for train drivers. It also is claiming the right to negotiate pay for other railway staff traditionally represented by a rival union.

Separately, a union representing Lufthansa pilots announced a walkout Wednesday and Thursday at the airline's cargo unit. It already has hit the company's passenger operations in a string of several-hour strikes over its demand that Lufthansa maintain transition payments for those wanting early retirement.