Lufthansa Strike Goes Ahead

German airline Lufthansa began a four-day strike at 0000 local time on 22 February 2010 (2300 UTC 21 February). The work stoppage forced the airline to cancel 3,000 domestic and international flights, and caused delays to numerous others. While the airline maintained some routes within Europe and to Africa, South America and Asia, many flights to the United States were canceled. Munich Airport (EDDM/MUC) and Frankfurt Airport (EDDF/FRA) -- Lufthansa's hub -- were the hardest-hit by the strike. The airline offered to accommodate affected passengers on trains or alternate airlines and to provide ticket refunds. Negotiations on 21 February between airline officials and union representatives failed to avert the strike, which was called by the pilots' union over a dispute over job security and pay. Approximately 4,000 pilots affiliated with Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and the low-budget carrier Germanwings are participating in the action. Lufthansa has asked a court to issue an injunction to end the strike, but no decision is expected until 23 February.