New strike threat at Lufthansa
November 29, 2014
The German pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has threatened imminent new strikes after negotiations with Lufthansa over retirement benefits stalled.
"As of now, strikes could take place again at any time on Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and Germanwings," the union announced late on Friday evening, adding that there had been "no real progress" in the labor dispute since the last strike in October.
"It became clear that management is not interested in solutions, but in introducing an autocratic leadership model like that of airlines in the Gulf states," VC spokesman Jörg Handwerg said.
A Lufthansa spokesman insisted that the airline management remained ready to negotiate, saying that it still wanted "constructive talks" to find "sustainable solutions" to the conflict.
Costly action
Lufthansa pilots have already staged eight walkouts this year, costing the company some 170 million euros ($211.62 million) in lost revenue according to Lufthansa figures.
The pilots are protesting at plans by management to gradually raise the age at which they can take early retirement by five years. At present, pilots can retire at 55 and receive up to 60 percent of their pay until the normal pension kicks in at the statutory retirement age of 65.
The new scheme planned by management would affect pilots who started work with the airline from January 2014. The union wants the current scheme maintained for all pilots.
New train strikes?
Train services in Germany could also face imminent strikes. The train drivers' union GDL is due to discuss next week whether to continue wage negotiations with railway operator Deutsche Bahn or take further industrial action.
GDL chief Claus Weselsky stressed, however, that no strikes would take place between Christmas and New Year.
The union called a three-day strike in early November to underline its demands for a 5 percent pay increase and a shorter working week.The GDL is also seeking the right to negotiate for railway staff other than drivers, such as conductors and catering staff.
tj/lw (dpa, AFP)