Pilot Strike Hits German Flag Carrier Lufthansa

July 7, 2008 2:54 p.m. EST

Frankfurt, Germany (AHN) - German flag carrier Lufthansa experienced flight disruptions early Monday after its pilots union, the 8,200-member Vereinigung Cockpit, went on strike due to a deadlock over negotiations on wage hikes.

The strike began midnight, which ran for 24 hours, hampered flights in all key German airports including Frankfurt. The airline's affiliated carriers, Cityline and Eurowings, also joined the strike.

Pilots said they are demanding for an increase in salaries after oil reached $145.85 a barrel on July 3, which triggered airlines to to raise airfares to bo0st earnings.

An earlier strike last July 1 also affected the airline's operations with walkouts by check-in staff, baggage handlers, airport porters and catering staff.