Pilots of Lufthansa to cast ballots for potential work stoppage

The Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), the pilots' union based in Germany, has initiated a vote for a potential strike at Germany's largest airline, Lufthansa, and its subsidiary, Lufthansa Cargo. The vote, which commences next Friday, September 12th, and runs until the end of the month, comes as a result of the union's dissatisfaction with Lufthansa's failure to make a satisfactory offer in the negotiations regarding pension benefits and transitional arrangements.

The potential strike involves pilots working for both Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo. The VC's negotiating committee has declared the talks on occupational pension with Lufthansa a failure, accusing the airline of repeatedly blocking, stonewalling, and refusing to compromise during negotiations. VC President Andreas Pinheiro stated that Lufthansa failed to present a serious offer in seven rounds of talks.

The last one-day strike organized by the VC at Lufthansa's main airline occurred in 2022, affecting around 4,800 employees. However, no strike action is planned until the vote concludes. The outcome of the vote will determine the potential for another pilots' strike at Lufthansa.

Lufthansa, in question, is Germany's largest airline, and Lufthansa Cargo is its subsidiary. The VC urged Lufthansa to negotiate on pension benefits and transitional arrangements as early as May. The vote on a potential strike is being conducted by the union, and the results will be crucial in resolving the current impasse.

The airline industry has been facing numerous challenges, and this potential strike could add to the woes. The public is advised to monitor the situation closely and prepare for potential disruptions in their travel plans. The VC and Lufthansa are expected to continue negotiations in the hope of reaching a resolution before the vote concludes.