A strike on Saturday by workers of Berlin's main public transport company BVG to demand higher salaries brought the German capital's underground railway, tram and bus services to a standstill, according to dpa. Some 5,000 workers are taking part in the strike, which is expected to affect about 1.8 million commuters, including thousands of tourists, many of who are attending the final day of the Berlin Film Festival. The S-Bahn rapid transit train service in and out of Berlin, which is operated by a different company, was not affected by the strike. The Verdi labour union representing BVG workers is scheduled for talks on Monday with the company's management to discuss their demand for a pay raise. The union has threatened more strikes if the talks fail.
