Lufthansa strike causes cancelled flights

(29 July 2008)

Passengers have been warned to expect further cancellations and delays on Lufthansa flights as a staff pay strike enters its second day.

Over 70 flights have already been cancelled for Tuesday after trade union Verdi extended its industrial action, causing ground staff to stage a walk out in Germany.

This followed strike action by 5,000 maintenance, freight and catering staff on Monday, although this disturbance caused minimal delays to flights.

Verdi is demanding a 9.8% pay hike for its employees, but Lufthansa is only offering a rise of 6.7% spread over 21 months.

German newspaper Die Welt quoted Verdi as saying the strike could cost Lufthansa almost €5 million (£3.9 million) a day.

Lufthansa has advised passengers to check its website, www.lufthansa.com, for flight departure details before travelling. It also advised passengers to turn up earlier than usual for flights.