(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, AUG 20 - Germany's passenger train network faces a second round of strikes on Monday, with freight services beginning this weekend, adding more pain to the tourist season and already strained supply chains. The latest move in an escalating wage dispute will impact passenger services from 2:00 am (0000 GMT) on August 23 and last 48 hours, the head of the GDL train drivers union Claus Weselsky told reporters Friday.

Strikes affecting cargo trains will begin August 21 and last four days ending at the same point, the union head said.

"Deutsche Bahn has up to this point not given notice that it will make any concessions in the pay dispute it started," Weselsky said, referring to the German rail operator. "The GDL sees itself forced to call for new strikes at Deutsche Bahn," he said. Deutsche Bahn criticised the announcement of the new strike, saying in a statement that it was "a wholly unnecessary burden for our passengers and freight clients". (ANSA-AFP).