Lufthansa Strike Grounds Friday Flights

A union has called for a nearly full-day strike of Lufthansa cabin crew this Friday. The walkout will center on Germany's two largest airports, Frankfurt and Munich. The UFO union announced the industrial action after pay negotiations with the airline failed. The strike is scheduled to last from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. local time. Lufthansa has warned passengers to expect "massive disruptions" to its flight schedule. The airline advises all customers with Friday bookings to check their flight status online before traveling. The union is demanding a 15% pay increase for cabin staff over 18 months, plus an inflation bonus. Lufthansa has described the demands as "unrealistic." Further talks are not currently scheduled.