German airports grind to a halt as workers strike for more money

Air travel through Germany has come to a virtual halt as workers went on strike Thursday to demand more money.

Germany’s largest airline, Lufthansa, canceled 600 flights that were headed mostly to destinations throughout Europe, The Associated Press reported. Other airlines in the country followed suit.

The union, Ver.di, said the strike will last all day and serve as a warning of what’s to come if airline executives don’t start doling out higher wages, AP reported. The union has about 2.1 million federal and city employees, and is fighting for a 3.5 percent salary hike, as well as a one-time payment for all workers at about $138.

So far, airline heads haven’t responded with any counteroffer, AP reported.

The strikes are also affecting travelers out of Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Hannover.