Deutsche Bahn said German train drivers union GDL has walked out of wage negotiations Feb. 29, 2024, abandoning ongoing resolution talks. Travelers are now bracing for potential new railworkers strikes. (Deutsche Bahn)

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — The German train drivers’ union walked out of negotiations with national railway operator Deutsche Bahn, a move that could add to the disruptions of a transportation system already reeling from bus, tram and subway strikes.

The union GDL has broken off today’s talks despite “far-reaching concessions” and the “use of two experienced moderators,” the company announced Thursday afternoon on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The negotiations originally were scheduled to continue until Sunday.

Deutsche Bahn said its proposal included salary increases and reduced working hours but said GDL representatives steadfastly maintained their demand for a 35-hour workweek with full wage compensation — a demand the company said it is unable to meet.

“We were prepared to make considerable concessions beyond our last offer on working hour reduction,” Martin Seiler, DB’s board member for human resources, said Thursday in a statement. “It’s unbelievable that the train drivers’ union would walk away from the table, thereby threatening further strikes for our customers.

“Without compromises, there can be no resolution to a conflict. We have reached the absolute limit of what is financially and personnel-wise possible.”

Deutsche Bahn said it is facing a significant challenge with over 60% of its workforce expected to leave due to age and turnover in the next decade. With over a third of train personnel in GDL-operated enterprises aged 55 and older, DB has been on a record hiring and training drive.

The talks, which began Feb. 5, aimed to find a solution to the deadlock that has previously seen GDL initiate a series of strikes in December and January, leading to the cancellation of approximately 80% of train services.

GDL on Thursday had not released plans for new rail strikes.

Further train stoppages would add to the considerable strain on the country’s public transportation system and potentially affect the Easter travel season.

During previous strikes, Deutsche Bahn established emergency timetables and allowed for flexible ticket use, enabling passengers affected by the strikes to use their tickets for alternate routes or for travel at a later date without extra charges.

Seat reservations could be canceled without fees and full refunds were offered for tickets related to canceled trains.