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LTU-unit Pilots at Air Berlin, Europe's third-largest discount airline, have threatened to strike if progress doesn't occur soon in negotiations with the airline management. Talks have been on-going since January, and tensions are starting to build - a strike could begin later this week, even. Air Berlin says preparations are being made to limit passenger inconvenience if a strike does a occur, but they are hoping to avoid the situation altogether. Management and leaders of Vereinigung Cockpit, the pilots' union, will meet Wednesday to discuss an improved offer. According to Air Berlin, it is the second improvement that has been offered up in the last few weeks. Union members are hoping for a 3% pay raise retroactive to January 1, as well as increased job security for the coming year. Air Berlin employs about 1,200 pilots, but fewer than half are union members.