Workers at German rail logistics company protest ahead of sale

Employees of DB Schenker, the logistics subsidiary of Germany's rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB), held demonstrations in major centres across the country on Wednesday amid fears that new owners could cut staff.

The workers were responding to a call from the works council after plans to sell off the profitable subsidiary emerged. They stopped work for around 15 minutes in support of demands for their jobs to be retained.

State-owned DB aims to sell DB Schenker with the aim of using the proceeds to cut its debt.

Two interested parties, Danish logistics company DSV and investor CVC Capital Partners, have made offers reported to be in the range of €14 billion ($15 billion).

The Schenker works council has backed CVC, according to an internal letter seen by dpa. The council fears the loss of a large number of jobs in the event of a DSV takeover, as Schenker could face being integrated into DSV's operations.

DB has yet to respond to the offers.