Brussels airport strike causes chaos

(13 August 2008)

Thousands of passengers have been left stranded at Brussels Airport as a strike by baggage handlers enters its third day.

Negotiations between trade unions and airport management staff on Tuesday failed to reach an agreement, with staff holding out for improved pay and working conditions.

Passengers have been left to search for their bags among the 20,000 pieces of luggage dumped in the airport's arrivals terminal.

Most flights out of the airport have been cancelled, with a limited number of long-haul flights taking off with severe delays.

Arrivals have been diverted to Liege while negotiations are ongoing.