More workers join German strikes

Public sectors workers marched through Munich

Strikes in Germany have continued to affect transport and public services as industrial action switches to the southern region.

Bus drivers, teachers and bankers are demanding an 8% pay increase because of fuel and food price rises.

A stoppage on Wednesday severely disrupted travel around the country, including Frankfurt airport.

Both sides in the dispute are planning another round of talks on Thursday, but hopes of an agreement are not high.

Metereologists from the national weather centre and government statisticians also came out on strike on Thursday.

They joined other public sector workers, including teachers, bankers and refuse collectors who had walked off their jobs.

Thousands marched through the Bavarian capital, Munich - where 5,000 workers were expected to stop work - holding banners saying: "Give us eight per cent. It's our turn now."

Their union Verdi, which represents 1.3 million public sector workers, has rejected a government pay offer of 5% over two years.

More disruption is expected next week, when Germany's train drivers' union GDL may resume industrial action in their dispute with rail company Deutsche Bahn.

It has carried out a number of strikes since last year.