The union, which represents about 25 percent of rail workers, pulled its members off the job twice in the past two weeks, but suspended the work stoppage last Thursday pending further negotiations. It continues to demand 250,000 forints (about 1,000 euros) per worker from MAV's inflow from selling a cargo subsidiary as well as a 10 percent wage hike in addition to a 6.9 percent already granted.

MAV says the demands are professionally, legally, and economically unfounded.

VDSZSZ vice-president Balazs Barany said he was very discouraged by the talks.

MAV Human Resource Manager Marianna Zsoldos said only that negotiations would continue on Tuesday.