Germany: Strike by Berlin airports' staff forces cancellations, delays

German ground staff went on strike at Berlin's two airports on Wednesday, forcing the cancellation of 137 flights and delaying many more. Ground crew, represented by union Verdi, went on strike at Tegel and Schoenefeld airports at 0400 GMT and were due to resume work at 1000 GMT. They want a pay rise of roughly 10% to E12 an hour. Verdi says ground staff, whose roles include loading and unloading planes and directing them on the tarmac, are paid too little considering safety is paramount in the industry and the workload is increasing due to rising passenger numbers. Passenger numbers to Tegel and Schoenefeld rose a combined 11% in 2016. About 500 take-offs and landings were planned for Wednesday at Berlin's airports, an airports spokesman said. He said no more specific figures were immediately available. Ground crew were also on strike at smaller airports in Hamburg and Stuttgart. "It's a pay level that for the amount of work we do simply isn't enough," said Verdi negotiator, Enrico Ruemker. "We're due to negotiate for the fourth time on February 10 and if no offer is put forward then further strikes are very likely."<br/>