Pilots at Lufthansa have voted to strike in a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions, according to BBC News.

The pilots' union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), said more than 90 per cent of its members voted in favor of the industrial action.

The union, which represents more than 5,000 pilots, said it would give the public at least 48 hours notice before any strike. And it says no walkouts are planned, as yet, for the Easter period.

The pilot's chief negotiator, Thomas Sturm told journalists: "None of us really wants to strike and we've been negotiating very patiently, but our patience has run out."

Lufthansa, which is under pressure to cut costs, has already agreed pay deals with ground staff and cabin crew.