Germany’s Lufthansa airline is bracing for renewed travel chaos as its cabin crew union announced a two-day strike targeting major airports. The Independent Flight Attendants Organization (UFO) called for its members to walk off the job on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, impacting departures from Frankfurt and Munich airports respectively. This latest industrial action comes on the heels of a separate strike by Lufthansa ground staff that caused delays and cancellations for roughly 200,000 passengers just days ago.
The UFO strike underscores ongoing labor disputes between Lufthansa and various unions representing its workforce. The union claims cabin crew deserve a larger share of the company’s profits, which rebounded significantly in 2023 after pandemic-related losses. Lufthansa recently announced strong financial performance, prompting UFO to argue that these gains necessitate improved compensation for its members who made sacrifices during the pandemic, including accepting pay cuts.
The specific demands of UFO have not been publicly disclosed, but the announcement follows similar calls for increased wages and inflation-offsetting bonuses from other Lufthansa unions. The earlier strike by ground staff, represented by the Ver.di union, sought a 12.5% salary increase or a minimum monthly raise of €500, along with an inflation compensation package. Lufthansa has acknowledged the rising cost of living and offered a 10% pay rise, but unions have deemed this insufficient.
While the airline negotiates with UFO, it is scrambling to minimize disruption for passengers. Lufthansa has advised travelers to check their flight status regularly and explore rebooking options on unaffected flights. The airline has also stated its intention to utilize layover crews and other contingency measures to maintain some level of service during the strike. However, the full impact of the cabin crew walkout remains to be seen, with cancellations and delays a distinct possibility.
The upcoming strike adds to the air of uncertainty surrounding Germany’s travel sector. With crucial negotiations between Lufthansa and its unions ongoing, further disruptions cannot be ruled out. The airline faces the challenge of balancing its financial health with the demands of its workforce, while ensuring a smooth travel experience for its customers.
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This article first appeared on The WIRE and is brought to you by Hyphen Digital Network
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