THE BUZZ: Union calls on Lufthansa pilots to stage st rike

A union representing Lufthansa pilots has called on its members to go on strike today in a dispute over retirement benefits.
The Vereinigung Cockpit union said yesterday that the strike will begin on short- and medium-haul services at 1100 GMT Monday, and be extended to long-haul and cargo flights from 0200 GMT Tuesday. The walk-out is due to end Wednesday.
The strike follows failed talks with Lufthansa over the pilots’ demand that Lufthansa keep paying a transition payment for those wanting to retire early. The airline wants to cut those payments, citing tough competition from European budget airlines and major Gulf carriers.
According to German news agency dpa, Lufthansa has already had to cancel 6,000 flights due to pilot strikes since April.