Lufthansa pilots describe failed pay talks as ‘a missed opportunity’ ahead of Friday’s strike

Pilots from Lufthansa will strike this Friday in protest of a wage dispute.

Lufthansa has had to cancel thousands due to strikes and staff shortages. FlightsThis summer. Last month, the German airline reached a pay dealWith ground staff that promised to reduce additional walkouts.

However, the airline recently confirmed that it will be removing some flights from its winter schedule from now until 26 March 2023 due to staffing issues.

Why are Lufthansa pilots so striking?

According to German, pay talks have failed. pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC).

VC wants a 5.5 Percent pay rise for this year, and an automatic inflation compensation for every 5,000 pilots thereafter.

“We have not received sufficient offers… Matthias Baier, VC spokesperson, said that this is a sobering situation.

On Wednesday, pilots from Eurowings, Lufthansa’s subsidiary, voted in favor of StrikesHowever, they first want to continue wage negotiation with their employer.

Pilots of the passenger airline will be affected as well as those working in its cargo division by Friday’s strike.

What does Lufthansa have to say about the strike?

LufthansaThis is to minimize the impact of pilots’. StrikeDuring wage negotiations, the company defended its offer.

Michael Niggemann is the Lufthansa executive director responsible for human resources and says that the German carrier made an acceptable, balanced offer during negotiations, and that the strike would cause inconvenience to several thousand customers.

“We want solutions at negotiations table,” he said, adding that Lufthansa’s offers were a good foundation for continuing talks.

Lufthansa has offered a total of €900 more in basic Payper month in two stages over an 18.-month term, as well as an agreement guaranteeing a minimum fleet size for cockpit staff.