Lufthansa faces another pilot strike

Pilots of Lufthansa
Pilots of Lufthansa (© Lufthansa/G. Schlaeger)

The pilots of german flag carrier Lufthansa could go on strike again. The pilot union „Vereinigung Cockpit“ (VC) told that talks with the management of Lufthansa has failed again. Both sides tried to reach an agreement over the early retirement scheme.

Last week the union has cancelled their strike that would have affected long-haul flights departing from Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub after Lufthansa reactivated pilots who are working in the management to fly for the carrier. At the same time Lufthansa sent a new offer to the union.

On September 10th Lufthansa canceled 110 flights to and from Munich. On September 5th short- and medium-haul flights to and from Frankfurt were canceled. In April a three-day-strike by the pilots costs Lufthansa around €45 millions. Additionally Lufthansa was affected by strikes by airport staff.

In April a three-day-strike by the pilots costs Lufthansa around €45 millions. Additionally Lufthansa was affected by strikes by airport staff.

In a ballot in March this year, the pilots of Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and Germanwings sent a clear signal. With a majority of 99.1%, they voted to establish a new contract regulating their transition to retirement, if necessary by use of industrial action.  It should remain possible for pilots, who have been exposed for decades to the rigours of aviation, to choose the point at which they leave their profession.