BERLIN (AP) — German public workers are ramping up the pressure ahead of a new round of wage negotiations. Short-term strikes have been called in a variety of sectors before wage discussions commence later this week.

Strikes are taking place Tuesday at a variety of places including kindergartens and swimming pools. Garbage pickup and street cleaning in Munich and Luebeck administrative offices are also affected.

On Wednesday, the strikes will shift to six airports, including Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich. Ground handlers and security personnel, among others, are set to walk off the job, disrupting tens of thousands of travelers. Lufthansa has already cancelled many flights.

The strikes come ahead of Thursday's negotiations between the ver.di union, which is looking for a 6 percent pay rise for its 2 million members, and the government.