Disruption in Europe's Biggest Economy: German Rail Strikes and Farmers' Protests

German travelers experienced widespread disruption on Wednesday due to a three-day national rail strike, adding to ongoing travel issues in Europe's largest economy. In addition to the rail strike, protesting farmers continued to block roads and highways. The strike impacted both cargo and passenger trains, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of trains according to a press statement by the main rail operator, Deutsche Bahn (DB).

DB announced that approximately 80% of long-distance services and varying regional lines will be canceled due to the ongoing strike. A heavily reduced emergency timetable will be in place until Friday. DB spokeswoman Anja Broeker expressed regret for the impact on train services and hopes that those affected can still reach their destinations.

Travelers seek information at a Deutsche Bahn ticket machine in Cologne's main railway station.

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

DB said that strike action would impact the travel plans of millions of commuters and urged people to postpone or cancel all non-essential travel.

The drivers have gone on their third and most significant strike since their union began negotiations with DB and other carriers in November of last year. The GDL union in Germany is pushing for a decrease in shift workers' weekly hours from 38 to 35, as well as a monthly pay increase of $606.62 (555 Euros) and a one-time inflation compensation bonus of 3,000 euros. While rail operator DB has shown flexibility with working hours, they have rejected the idea of reducing hours without a decrease in pay.

German farmers have intensified their protests against government fuel subsidy cuts, leading to nationwide rail strikes. Tractor blockades and rallies in towns and cities have caused significant traffic disruption throughout the week.

Several hundred agricultural vehicles descended upon Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate on Monday in protest of the cuts announced by the German government in December, which are expected to save €920 million ($1 billion) according to German public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

At a press briefing on Monday, a spokesperson for the German government stated that despite protests, there are no plans to change the government's current plans. Last week, a group of German farmers expressed their anger by blocking Economy Minister Robert Habeck from leaving a ferry in north west Germany. Habeck, who was traveling privately, was stuck on the ferry for several hours.

The President of the Farmers Association, Joachim Rukwied, criticized the incident and referred to blockades of this kind as unacceptable in a press release on Friday. Additionally, a rally in partnership with the German freight industry is set to take place in Berlin on January 15, with several protests planned across the country.

CNNs Inke Kappeler and Niamh Kennedy contributed reporting.