A strike by ground and cabin staff at Lufthansa went into its fifth day Friday, with the German airline cutting 128 flights from its regular schedule, despite informal talks between the company and the services union Verdi. Verdi officials were meeting to evaluate the results of informal talks with Lufthansa representatives on Thursday and to decide whether formal negotiations should be taken up again. The talks broke down three weeks ago, and Verdi balloted its members, securing more than 90-per-cent support for an unlimited strike that began Monday. Lufthansa has instituted an emergency flight schedule since Thursday, cutting 128 flights, 28 of them on long-haul routes. The airline has attempted to restrict the cuts to routes where passengers have an alternative flight with the airline or with one of its partners in the Star alliance. Some 10 per cent of domestic and European flights have been cut. Verdi is demanding 9.8 per cent more pay over a 12-month contract for 50,000 workers. Lufthansa has offered 6.7 per cent over a 21-month contract, plus a one-off payment.
