Lufthansa pilots vote for industrial action over pay
Add BT as a preferred source
PILOTS at German flagship carrier Lufthansa voted on Sunday (Jul 31) by a margin of 97.6 per cent in favour of industrial action, threatening further disruption during the busy summer travel season.
Strikes and staff shortages have already forced airlines including Lufthansa to cancel thousands of flights and caused hours-long queues at major airports, frustrating holidaymakers keen to travel after Covid-19 lockdowns.
The vote does not necessarily mean a strike will be held, but it was a signal to the employer that constructive steps needed to be taken, pilot’s union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) board member Marcel Groels said.
“We are showing we are ready to talk,” he added.
A spokesperson for Lufthansa said they respected the results of the vote, and hoped for a constructive solution at the negotiating table.
Pilots’ union VC is demanding a 5.5 per cent pay rise this year for its pilots and automatic inflation compensation thereafter.
It also wants a uniform pay structure for all staff at the Lufthansa group’s airlines, which include flagship carrier Lufthansa as well as budget unit Eurowings.
Lufthansa has already been rocked by strike action by its ground staff last Wednesday, which forced the carrier to cancel more than 1,000 flights. REUTERS
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
TRENDING NOW
Jardine C&C selling Singapore, Malaysia dealerships to Indonesia’s Chandra Asri for US$221 million gain
When every phone becomes a satellite phone, what happens to Asia’s telcos?
Stocks to watch: Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Creative Technology, CNMC Goldmine
Malaysia’s Genting posts Q2 net loss despite 14% rise in revenue
