BERLIN (AP) — A union representing pilots at Lufthansa's short-haul Germanwings unit has called members out on a 12-hour strike Thursday, hard on the heels of a walkout by German train drivers in a separate dispute. The Vereinigung Cockpit union set the strike at Lufthansa's budget offshoot for noon to midnight (1000 to 2200 GMT). The union has hit various Lufthansa operations with walkouts in recent weeks over its demand that the company maintain transition payments for pilots wanting early retirement. On Wednesday, the GDL union called out train drivers at national railway Deutsche Bahn for a 14-hour strike starting at 2 p.m. (1200 GMT). GDL wants a 5 percent pay increase and shorter working hours. It also claims the right to negotiate pay for other staff traditionally represented by a rival union.
