gdl engaged in a series of strikes throughout the summer and fall designed to increase pressure on the railway prior to engaging in a nationwide walkout. a short strike occurred in july 2007, and deutsche bahn sued the union for €5 million ($7.3 million) in damages. in october and early november 2007, gdl held several short strikes against local commuter lines, stopping work for a total of 65 hours. on november 10, 2007, the union held a 42-hour strike which stopped about 90 percent of all freight trains in the country. deutsche bahn estimated the november 10 freight strike cost €50 million ($73 million) each day.