Germany Faces Transport Disruption Due to Train Strikes, Farmer Protests

Germany is facing transport disruption yesterday caused by a three-day nationwide strike by train drivers, coupled with ongoing protests by farmers angered by planned subsidy cuts.

Local media reported that thousands of people faced train cancellations across Germany from today, as a three-day nationwide rail strike added to travel chaos in Europe's largest economy.

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) said, some 80 per cent of long-distance services will be canceled, while regional lines will be affected to varying extents.

The strikes,



called by the GDL train drivers' union from Thursday to Friday evening, have forced Deutsche Bahn to run only stripped-back emergency timetables. The GDL is seeking better wages, along with a reduction in work from 38 hours a week, down to 35 hours.

The rail strike comes as German farmers vowed to ramp up their nationwide protests against planned subsidy cuts, such as those for diesel fuel. Since Monday, farmers have been blocking a number of highway entrances with their tractors, as well as holding rallies in towns and cities.