Nationwide train drivers strikes are expected to bring German rail services to a halt Thursday, escalating a monthslong wage dispute with Deutsche Bahn, the national railway service. (Deutsche Bahn)

The German train drivers’ union GDL has announced a new round of strikes against Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company, after negotiations broke down Friday.

The strikes are set to begin at 2 a.m. Thursday and are expected to last for 35 hours, according to the union.

The strike aims to draw attention to members’ demand for a 35-hour workweek, the union said in a statement Monday.

Following the initial strike, the union plans to launch a wave of strikes, moving away from the practice of providing 48-hour notice. This strategy will impact rail services across the country and make train travel unpredictable, union officials said.

GDL accuses DB of failing to sufficiently support negotiations for a successful resolution, while DB on Friday attributed the failure to the union’s refusal to compromise on its demands.

The upcoming strikes are expected to cause significant disruptions to rail services, with no emergency schedules yet announced, leaving passengers to face expected delays and cancelations.

Curtailed long-distance, regional and city tram and train services will be maintained, DB said in a statement Monday. The company also assured customers of their options for flexible changes. Refunds also may be available for seat reservations and eligible ticket purchases during the strike period.

The standoff marks the fifth strike in a protracted conflict over working conditions and pay raises that started last year.

Amid escalating tensions, calls for political intervention and arbitration have surfaced, highlighting the broader implications for Germany’s transportation sector and the ongoing transition toward more sustainable modes of travel.