The strike by drivers and other workers in the GDL union began at 10 p.m. on Wednesday and was scheduled to end at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The main national railway operator, state-owned Deutsche Bahn, expected to run about 20% of its normal long-distance service.
The dispute between Deutsche Bahn and GDL is in its early stages, but already is looking unusually difficult.
After negotiations started last week, Deutsche Bahn said it had made an offer that amounts to an 11% raise.
Political Cartoons View All 1250 ImagesNegotiations were due to resume on Thursday, but Deutsche Bahn canceled this week's talks after GDL called the strike.
Persons:
GDL
Organizations:
BERLIN, —, Deutsche Bahn
Locations:
GDL