Around 100 flights have been cancelled at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam after KLM ground staff went on strike in a dispute over pay.

Baggage handlers stopped work for four hours on Wednesday morning, between 8am and noon, as part of a series of stoppages called by the FNV and CNV unions.

Union leaders are also demanding improved contract terms for staff with physically demanding jobs.

Most of the cancelled flights are to European destinations in Germany, Italy, Scandinavia and the UK, but some long-haul flights to the USA and South Africa have also been affected. Most flights after 12.30pm will depart as scheduled.

The first strike on September 10. lasted for two hours, while two more stoppages of six hours and eight hours have been called for September 24 and October 1.