How one small rail union is bringing Germany to its knees

Berlin

AT the core of a series of rail strikes threatening to plunge Germany into travel chaos for a second time this month is a tiny transport union that won't take no for an answer.

GDL, which represents 34,000 rail employees, called on train drivers to walk off the job for an indefinite period from Tuesday in an escalation of a dispute that has repeatedly held up cargo, stranded commuters and caused havoc on the country's highways. It is rejecting terms handed down through negotiations between the bigger EVG union, which represents more than 213,000 rail workers, and Deutsche Bahn AG, Germany's national rail operator.

"The strike is legal, it is right, and it is also proportionate," Claus Weselsky, GDL's chairman and chief negotiator said on Monday. Mr Weselsky said the union will give 48 hours advance notice on when the strike will end, adding that the walkout…