Air controllers in France to strike

PARIS -- Air traffic controllers have called for a one-day strike for Wednesday that threatens to disrupt much of the airline service in France.

Besides that walkout, a four-hour stoppage in Greece and Portugal and a one-hour freeze in Italy were expected.

Air traffic controllers are protesting a continentwide "single-sky" plan to reduce congestion and delays. It would bring all air traffic controllers under unified supervision so airlines can fly routes not defined by European borders.

The proposal is opposed by trade unions, who fear it will lead to privatization of air traffic control, job losses and reduced air safety.

Up to 70 percent of departures and landings in France could be canceled, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

Germany's Deutsche Lufthansa said it would not operate 130 flights to and from France on Wednesday, adding that only five flights would continue to operate.

Czech state-run carrier CSA said it would cancel five of six flights from Prague to Paris and four of six flights from Paris to Prague.

European Union transportation ministers met Monday in Luxembourg to discuss the plan.

A similar strike by French workers alone last December caused major disruptions across Europe.

Another strike in June 2000 grounded 90 percent of flights departing Paris and caused widespread delays and cancellations throughout Europe.