Lufthansa, Pilots Reach Wage Deal, Strike Called Off

By Dave Simpson
Lufthansa, Pilots Reach Wage Deal, Strike Called Off

German airline Lufthansa and pilots' union VC said on Tuesday 6 September they had reached a deal in a wage dispute, averting a second strike that had been planned for later this week.

Details

The agreement comes after a strike at Lufthansa last week forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, further plaguing a summer of travel chaos.

The Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilots' union said it had agreed the basis of a comprehensive package of monetary and structural issues which would be fleshed out in the next few days.

It gave no further details but said it was sufficient for a strike due to begin on Wednesday to be called off.

"We are pleased that a result was reached at the negotiating table and that further disruption for customers, employees and companies could be avoided," said Marcel Groels, responsible for the union's collective bargaining policy.

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"Today important first steps have been taken towards a long-term cooperation," he said.

Passenger plane pilots had been due to strike on Wednesday 7 September and Thursday 8 September, and cargo pilots from Wednesday 7 September through Friday 9 September, according to the union, which groups more than 5,000 pilots.

Lufthansawhich had earlier said it would make an improved offer on Tuesday 6 September, said the agreement meant flights could take place as planned in the next few days.

"We are pleased we were able to reach a solution in constructive talks with the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union," the national carrier said in a statement, giving no details of the deal.

VC had demanded a retroactive pay rise of 5.5% from 1 July as well as a pay increase of 8.2% in 2023 in response to inflation.

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Lufthansa's Top Shareholder Kuehne Wants To Buy More Stock

The above news was followed by news that German logistics entrepreneur Klaus-Michael Kuehne, the biggest shareholder in Lufthansa, is planning to buy additional shares in the airline, he said on Tuesday 6 September.

"Our interest in Deutsche Lufthansa AG remains high," Kuehne said in a statement, adding he was aiming to "acquire further Lufthansa shares when there is an opportunity.

Kuehne owns 15.01% of Lufthansa, which earlier on Tuesday 6 September reached a deal with pilots' union VC in a wage dispute and averted a strike planned later this week.

News by Reuters, edited by Hospitality Ireland. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.