<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Germany is facing transport disruption today caused by a three-day nationwide strike by train drivers, coupled with ongoing protests by farmers angered by planned subsidy cuts.</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">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.</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">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.</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">The strikes, called by the GDL train drivers' union from today 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.</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">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. </p>