Lufthansa Pilots' Union Calls Strike for Tuesday

A union representing Lufthansa pilots has called a one-day strike at the German airline's long-distance and cargo operations on Tuesday - the latest in a string of walkouts.

The Vereinigung Cockpit union has hit various Lufthansa units with more than a dozen short-term walkouts over recent months. The dispute centers on the airline's plans to cut transition payments for pilots wanting to retire early, which the union wants to see maintained.

The union announced the latest strike on Monday, saying that previous talks made no progress.

Traditional national carriers such as Germany's biggest airline are being squeezed both by European budget carriers and major Gulf airlines. Lufthansa has announced plans to launch budget long-haul services.