March 22, 2017 - 7:00 AM
BUCHAREST, Romania - Romanian rail workers have staged a walk-out after unions and management failed to agree about wage hikes.
More than 150 trains were affected by the strike, announced only Wednesday morning. Many trains were running late, with delays up six hours reported.
Employees of the Romanian CFR state rail network are demanding a 25 per cent wage increase and better working conditions. Railway bosses say they can afford a 22.5 per cent raise.
Transport Minister Razvan Cuc said he would meet trade union leaders later Wednesday.
There was no train service Wednesday morning for the eastern cities of Cluj, Brasov, Iasi and Bacau.
Romania's rail network is in dire need of upgrading, with trains running at an average speed of 80 kilometres an hour (50 mph).
News from © The Associated Press, 2017