BERLIN

German train divers began a three-day strike on Wednesday over an ongoing dispute with the national rail operator over wages and working hours.

State-owned Deutsche Bahn said due to the strike by the drivers’ union GDL, there will be massive disruptions in long-distance, regional and suburban rail services between Wednesday and Friday.

“The emergency timetable only ensures very limited train services on DB's long-distance, regional and S-Bahn services. Please refrain from unnecessary journeys during the GDL strike and postpone your journey to another time,” the rail operator said in a statement.

GDL union’s leader Claus Weselsky sharply criticized the management of Deutsche Bahn, and said the latest offer by the rail operator was like a “provocation” and far from meeting their demands.

“If no new offer comes by Friday, we will take a break, and then take the steps for the next strike action,” he told public broadcaster ARD, soon after train drivers stopped work on Wednesday morning.

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.