Berlin, Jan 12: Train drivers in Germany have commenced a three-day strike until Friday, severely restricting passenger transport across the country.

Meanwhile, freight trains have been at a standstill since Tuesday night, reports Xinhua news agency.

During the strike that commenced on Wednesday, the German national railway company Deutsche Bahn will operate an emergency service, but only one in five long-distance trains will be able to run.

Regional transportation is “also massively thinned out”, said a spokesperson for the national rail operator.

The German Locomotive Drivers’ Union (GDL) is demanding a reduction in working hours, to 35 hours over four days with full pay compensation, and a wage increase of 555 euros ($605) per month.