Berlin set for travel chaos as union calls strike

BERLIN, Jan 31 (Reuters) - German services union Verdi called on its transport workers in the capital on Thursday to go on strike after wage talks with employers collapsed, threatening chaos for millions of commuters in coming days.

The strike, which will affect buses, some trams and the underground railway, is due to start at 2300 GMT Thursday and last until 1400 GMT on Saturday.

"We have decided to start warning strikes," said Verdi representative Frank Baesler. He accused employers of presenting a "sham offer" which would not benefit 95 percent of the 12,000-strong workforce.

About 2.4 million people use Berlin's transport system every day.

Verdi wants a wage increase of up to 12 percent for its workers in Berlin.

The employer had made an offer of a one-off payment of 200 euros for January to July this year and a wage rise of 4 percent. Wages would rise a further 2 percent in 2010.

German labour unions are putting pressure on employers to give workers a bigger share of recent success this year, just as growth in Europe's biggest economy is starting to slow.

The European Central Bank has said it is watching pay deals closely and has stressed it is important to avoid a wage-price spiral. (Writing by Madeline Chambers, editing by Ralph Boulton)