Train drivers under the German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) have begun their longest strike yet in their long-running industrial dispute with national rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB). The strike began on Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT) in freight transport, and the GDL then extended it to passenger transport early Wednesday morning. The industrial action is to continue until Monday at 6:00 pm. Passengers will face considerable restrictions on long-distance and regional services over the next few days. As with the previous strikes, DB has drawn up a timetable with significantly reduced ser…