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Lufthansa workers strike over pay Lufthansa workers strike over pay
(about 7 hours later)
Ground crew and cabin staff at Germany's biggest airline, Lufthansa, have begun an indefinite strike.Ground crew and cabin staff at Germany's biggest airline, Lufthansa, have begun an indefinite strike.
The Verdi public sector union called the strike after 90.7% of its members supported the walk-out over pay.The Verdi public sector union called the strike after 90.7% of its members supported the walk-out over pay.
The union wants a pay rise of 9.8%, while the airline is offering 6.7% in two stages, according to the union.The union wants a pay rise of 9.8%, while the airline is offering 6.7% in two stages, according to the union.
Lufthansa, like other airlines, is being squeezed by rising fuel bills. The stoppage will affect both domestic and international flights. Lufthansa, which like other airlines is also being squeezed by rising fuel bills, said the stoppage had so far barely disrupted flights.
"Almost 100% of our flights are flying on time," Lufthansa spokesman Klaus Walther told Germany's ZDF channel.
However, union negotiator Erhard Ott said that the effects of the strike would "likely grow in the course of the day and in coming days".
Demands for higher pay come as inflation in Europe's largest economy has quickened.Demands for higher pay come as inflation in Europe's largest economy has quickened.
As well as workers in the airline industry, rail workers and teachers went on strike earlier this year demanding higher pay.As well as workers in the airline industry, rail workers and teachers went on strike earlier this year demanding higher pay.