Munich — A total of 36 flight arrivals or departures were cut at Munich airport on Wednesday as ground staff walked out for five hours in a token strike.

The German services trade union Verdi called for the strike in support of demands for a considerable pay rise.

The industrial action targeted Swissport Losch, a company providing ground, hospitality and cargo handling services. A union spokesman said participation in the strike was high.

Flights operated by Lufthansa subsidiaries Air Dolomiti, Cityline and Eurowings, to destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Zurich, Stuttgart and Dresden were affected, an airport spokesman confirmed.

Verdi is demanding a substantial pay rise for Swissport Losch's almost 600 workers "to secure real pay in the face of inflation at 8%," lead negotiator Manuela Dietz said on Tuesday. The company would then also be able to fill its open positions, Dietz said.

Swissport Losch provides passenger, baggage and freight services for airlines and for the airport's subsidiary Aeroground. It also provides services on the airport apron, including bus and transport services.

The union says Swissport's offer of 10% for more than one year and a one-off payment of €250 ($255) is not acceptable.

A date has not been set for fresh negotiations.

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