More airport strikes planned

Nearly a third of flights at Frankfurt Airport had been canceled by late afternoon on Friday due to a second day of strike action by the union for air traffic workers (GdF). Domestic and European flights were mostly affected by the strike.

The relatively small union, which only represents 184 striking workers, has threatened more strikes for next week, but said there would be no action over the weekend.

The 200 air-traffic controllers and workers on strike are known as "apron control" staff. They direct planes in and out of their parking positions. They walked off the job on Thursday to back up their demands for higher pay and improved working conditions.

The operator of Frankfurt Airport, Fraport, said again on Friday that it hoped the union would get back to the negotiating table.

"Disregarding passengers, airlines and all our staff, the union insists on its exaggerated demands. It is totally unacceptable behavior," a spokesperson said, adding that additional staff were being trained to step in for striking workers next week.

Fraport said the union's demands would mean workers would receive between 64 und 73 percent more pay, which it has deemed unworkable.

But the union is determined to continue the strike action, vowing that "we won't back down," according to board member Markus Siebers.

Germany's rail operator Deutsche Bahn said trains were more crowded on Friday, as passengers sought alternative modes of transport, but he said there had been no major disruption.

ng/db(dapd, dpa)