Germany: Airport workers threaten strike during Berlin travel trade fair

Travel industry players heading to the world's biggest tourism trade fair in Berlin next week could face flight disruptions after ground staff at the city's 2 airports voted in favour of strikes in a pay dispute. Labour union Verdi said Friday that 98.6% of balloted workers at Schoenefeld and Tegel airports were in favour of industrial action. Verdi wants an increase in pay for ground staff to E12 an hour from about E11 as part of a 1-year collective agreement. Workers have walked out several times in recent weeks, forcing the cancellation of more than 300 flights. The employers, a group of airport ground services providers, said that their goal remains to find a solution at the negotiating table. Verdi says the employers have until Tuesday to improve their offer. The ITB fair in Berlin attracted120,000 trade visitors last year. <br/>