The union representing Germany’s air traffic controllers will hold a six-hour walkout on Tuesday that could force hundreds of flights to be disrupted.

A court ruled Monday that the strike, over a pay dispute, can go forward that day between 6 a.m. and noon (0400-1000 GMT), despite a legal challenge of it by the national air traffic authority.

The union said there was “no alternative to a strike” because the latest offer from employers was unacceptable.

A similar walkout was thwarted last week, after the national air traffic authority won a court injunction against it.

The national air traffic authority said it would appeal Monday’s ruling.

The GdF union has been seeking a one-year wage deal with a 6.5 percent pay increase and changes to the organizational structure. It has rejected the air traffic authority’s offer of a lower raise over a longer period.

The union represents nearly 6,000 employees of the air traffic authority.

A strike could disrupt hundreds of flights and cause headaches for transfer passengers.

SOURCE: AP

UPDATE:

The strike for Tuesday august 9th has been called off after new negotiations started. On Frankfurt airport only about 30 – 40 flights were delayed on tuesday morning.