German labor unions extend walk-outs

German trade unions representing public sector employees expanded their strike action on Tuesday as workers demanding higher pay walked off their jobs in Bavaria.

A day before fresh contract negotiations were slated to start, unions turned up the heat with warning strikes by airport ground personnel in Munich and Nuremberg. The work stoppages, which started in the middle of the night and were expected to last until noon, have prompted delays and some cancellations in morning business travel.

Unions are demanding a five percent pay raise.

A first round of contract talks last week ended without results, with employers saying that the union demands were too high. Negotiations are scheduled to continue on Wednesday.

On Monday, more than 26,000 workers walked off their jobs across five states in Germany, affecting public transport, day care facilities, hospitals, trash collection and other municipal services.