Lufthansa pilots propose arbitration

Cockpit union spokesman Jan Krawitz told The Associated Press Thursday pilots are prepared to start arbitration soon but are now waiting for a response from Lufthansa.

Krawitz added that his union will only scrap the planned walkout if an agreement on the timing, conditions and a chief arbitrator can be reached.

The airline and the union so far have failed to resolve a dispute over pay and job security -- leading to a first round of walkouts in February.

Cockpit had threatened to stage more strikes April 13-16.