Lufthansa’s Ground Staff Will Strike on Wednesday

Lufthansa ground crew at several major German airports are planning to strike on Wednesday, the latest in a string of recent travel disruptions in the country stemming from union decisions.

The Verdi union, which represents the ground staff, is calling for a strike at Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, and Dusseldorf airports starting at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday morning. The union is in the midst of pay disputes with Lufthansa—Verdi is seeking a 12.5% pay raise for nearly 25,000 members.

Verdi has been through two different rounds of negotiations with Lufthansa, the last on Jan. 23 that it has called “inadequate and divisive.” The union is calling Wednesday’s strike a “warning strike” that could preempt a longer, more substantial move.

“We therefore hope that the passengers will understand, because, like the employees, they too want an end to the staff shortage and better service. But this requires more attractive working conditions. If Lufthansa does not realize this after this first warning strike, then the employees are prepared to go on longer strikes,” Verdi negotiator Marvin Reschinsky said in a statement.

Lufthansa on Monday told travelers that it is expecting “extensive” effects on its flight schedule through early Thursday morning. All passengers who are on impacted flights will be notified starting on Monday with options to rebook their ticket.