Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - One of the main unions of German airline Lufthansa on Monday called on the airline's ground staff to go on strike Wednesday in a wage dispute, announcing "delays and cancellations" of flights as the current stage is witnessing tension in European aviation circles.

The "Verdi" union issued a call to strike from Wednesday at 03:45 (01:45 GMT) until 06:00 Thursday (0400 GMT) to "increase pressure" on management in the framework of the demand for a wage increase of 9,000 percent. 5% according to what was stated in the statement.

The Lufthansa Group, the largest European air carrier, has not yet determined the repercussions of this move on travelers at a time when passengers are already suffering from long waits at airports and many flights are canceled due to a shortage of staff.

Lufthansa has so far canceled about six thousand flights this summer, while Frankfurt Airport, Germany's largest airport, intends to reduce the flight schedule "in order to improve the stability of air operations," which is under great pressure due to the summer holidays.

Wednesday's strike includes workers on the ground, especially maintenance workers, as well as drivers of aircraft towing vehicles, who are essential in operating the airport.

The union confirmed that "there will be many cancellations and delays."

"The situation at airports is worsening, and employees are under increasing pressure due to the large shortage of workers, the high inflation and the absence of any increase in wages for three years," said union official Christine Belle.

Since the lifting of health restrictions at the beginning of the year, airlines and airports have been struggling to meet the demand, which is witnessing a significant increase, after a slowdown in movement that lasted two years, during which this sector lost many of its employees.

The German aviation sector is currently suffering from a staff shortage of 7,000 people, according to a study by the IW Economic Institute released at the end of June.

Economists said at the time that "many employees searched for work in other sectors and are not currently available to work in response to the high demand."