Hundreds of flights to Germany cancelled, staff went on strike

Thousands of passengers at four German airports, including the one in Frankfurt, have been blocked Tuesday after staff and workers from several other sectors have held protests in this state, increasing pressure on wages, Reuters broadcast.

Lufthansa has announced on Monday the cancellation of 800 flights.

“We want to launch a clear signal to employers through these strikes”, said labour union leader Frank Bsirske.

“We expect an offer to be made so that we can sit down and discuss a proper solution”.

He has said the situation could escalate if workers are not present at work next week.

Verdi has indicated the demand for salary increases of 6 per cent for 2.3 million employees of the federal and local public sector.

Germany's federal government and municipalities have rejected this, saying such growth would force them to engage contracting companies.

The biggest economy in Europe currently seems to be in good condition, with record tax revenues and budgetary surplus.

Neighboring France has faced protests last week, opposing French President Emmanuel Macron's reforms.