BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The Verdi union and employers have continued their negotiations in the wage dispute for aviation security personnel for the third day in a row. The talks were extended by one day until Friday. Both sides had emphasized their hope for an agreement at the start of the sixth round of negotiations.

Verdi and the aviation security companies (BDLS) are negotiating the working conditions of around 25,000 employees of private security service providers. The personnel check passengers, staff and baggage at the entrances to the security area on behalf of the Federal Police.

Verdi is demanding an hourly wage increase of 2.80 euros over a period of twelve months with faster overtime bonuses from the first hour of overtime. According to the companies, they have offered an increase of 2.70 euros per hour in three stages over a period of 24 months. The surcharges for overtime have been particularly controversial recently.

Warning strikes by aviation security staff brought several German airports to a temporary standstill last week. According to estimates by the airport association ADV, a total of 662 flights were canceled and more than 100,000 passengers were affected. During the first wave of warning strikes on February 1, an estimated 1100 flights were canceled./mar/DP/mis