Strike brings public transport in Berlin to a standstill

Public transport workers went on strike in Berlin on Monday, bringing the German capital's bus, tram and underground services to a standstill for a second time this year, reported dpa.

The verdi trade union is currently holding collective bargaining negotiations with the Berlin Transport Company (BVG).

Chief negotiator Jeremy Arndt told dpa that the strike began as planned early on Monday.

"Strike participation is very high," said Arndt.

The BVG's underground trains, bus services and trams were all affected by the strike, although S-Bahn suburban trains and regional services were running as usual.

The strike coincided with the first day after winter school holidays in the German capital.

"We expect a much higher traffic density on the roads," said the Traffic Information Centre (VIZ).