German Rail Union Plans Open-Ended Strikes, Pay Dispute Escalates

The EVG rail workers' union is preparing a strike ballot after wage negotiations with Deutsche Bahn collapsed.
The union rejected Deutsche Bahn's offer of up to a 12% pay increase over too long a time period and is demanding a 12% wage increase or an additional 650 euros per month over 12 months.
Deutsche Bahn accused the EVG of escalating the situation unnecessarily and said the two sides were close to an agreement.
The EVG represents 230,000 rail workers, including 180,000 Deutsche Bahn employees.
The union has already held warning strikes and needs approval from three-quarters of members to authorize open-ended strikes.