AKIPRESS.COM - A nationwide strike has brought air travel to a near standstill at 13 German airports, including the Frankfurt and Munich hubs. Trade union Verdi has called the strike over a wage dispute, Deutsche Welle reported.

Strikes have brought operations to a near halt in airports across Germany, as service workers, ground staff, and aviation security staged a 24-hour walkout.

The trade union Verdi is demanding a collective wage deal for nearly 2.5 million public sector workers. Monday's strikes come after a second round of pay talks failed.

The federal government and local municipalities have said that Verdi's proposals, including an 8% pay hike, higher bonuses, and three additional days off, are not financially viable.

According to the assessment of the association of German airports ADV, the strike will lead to the cancellation of more than 3,400 flights and will affect about 510,000 passengers. The union is seeking an 8% wage increase, but not less than 350 euros per month, and also demands an increase in allowances for heavy work and additional days off for employees.