BERLIN

A 24-hour strike by German train drivers brought most of the long-distance and regional train services to a standstill on Friday.

The nationwide strike began at 10 p.m. (2100GMT) on Thursday and was set to continue until 10 p.m. on Friday.

National railway operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) said it has initiated an emergency plan but almost 80% of the long-distance train services had to be canceled.

“The DB's emergency timetable only ensures a very limited range of trains in DB's long-distance, regional and S-Bahn services,” the railway operator said in a statement.

It advised passengers to refrain from unnecessary travel during the strike period and postpone their trip to another day if possible.

“All passengers who would like to postpone their trip planned for Thursday evening, and Friday, can use their ticket at a later date,” Deutsche Bahn said.

The German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) decided to stage the strike after the latest round of wage negotiations with Deutsche Bahn collapsed on Nov. 24.

The GDL is insisting on a salary increase of €555 (about $600) per month, and a one-off inflation compensation premium of up to €3,000 (about $3,250). The union is also demanding a reduction in working hours for shift workers, from 38 to 35 hours per week, with no reduction in pay.