Austrian rail workers staged a one day strike on Monday, bringing to a standstill the nation's network, which is pivotal in cross-European travel. The country's stations - where usually a million passengers get on and off trains every day - were deserted. 

Rail employees demanded a 12 percent pay-rise before negotiations with the employers broke down. Inflation in Austria stood at 11 percent in October - the highest peak in 70 years. 

Experts predict that the median price of goods and services will further rise by 11.5 percent in November, after which a decrease is likely. Recently, state employees received a pay-rise of over 7 percent and metal worker unions got a similar one. If and when negotiations between rail workers and their employers resume is not clear yet.

In no other EU country are trains as pivotal as they are in Austria, both for travel within and through the country.  

Lying at the heart of Europe it is also considered the continent's night train pioneer. But all connections between Bucharest, Brussels, Rome and Hamburg were blocked on Monday. And given the short notice of the strike, many international rail passengers have found their journeys disrupted.   

Meanwhile heavy car traffic was made worse after environmental activists glued themselves to roads in the cities of Graz, Linz and Innsbruck on the same day. However, the congestion was eased by the fact that many people decided to work from their homes instead of commuting.

The rail strike is due to last until midnight (Monday), although disruption on international overnight trains in expected to continue until Tuesday.