Lufthansa ground staff begin walkout: Germany pay dispute

Lufthansa ground staff begin walkout: Germany pay dispute

Ground staff of Deutsche Lufthansa went on a strike early on Wednesday, prompting the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights and adding to travel disruptions during the busy summer travel season. Labor union Verdi had called for the walkout, which is due to run until 6 am (0400 GMT) on Thursday, over its demand for a 9.5 percent pay hike for around 20,000 workers.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app. The move had prompted Lufthansa to cancel nearly all flights at its Frankfurt and Munich hubs for Wednesday. Strikes and staff shortages have already forced airlines including Lufthansa to cancel thousands of flights and caused hours-long queues at major airports, frustrating holidaymakers keen to travel after COVID-19 related lockdowns. Verdi last month demanded a 9.5 percent pay rise, or at least €350 ($368) more per month for 12 months, for