Striking Lufthansa crew reject cash offer
Lufthansa’s cabin crew have rejected an increased one-time payment of €3000 to call off a week-long strike, which is costing the airline at least €10 million a day.
The flight attendants’ union turned down the deal, claiming the airline has failed to tackle its concerns regarding retirement and pensions provision.
As a result, Lufthansa has been forced to cancel a further 930 flights today, affecting 100,000 passengers.
It is also seeking a temporary court injunction to halt the strike, which is due to run at least until Friday.
It claimed that the company already offers its 19,000 cabin crew remuneration and employment benefits ‘far above industry averages’.
"In spite of this, since last Friday the UFO (flight attendants’) union called for its members to go on a continuous strike, something which is irresponsible and at the same time without precedent in Germany," it said in a statement.
"The strike is being carried out at the expense of millions of passengers and more than 100,000 Lufthansa Group employees.
"In view of this situation, we are doing everything we can to find a solution and end this strike. In the hope that our customers will not suffer any further harm due to the effects of the strike, we have decided to improve our offer yet again."
However, the airline said that as a result of the improved offer, which increases the one-time payment by 50%, the airline would be forced to re-evaluate its capacity and routes.
"Improving our offer again is a difficult step for us" said CEO Karl Ulrich Garnadt. "It is clear to us, that with this new concession, the urgent and necessary improvements in our cost and competitive position cannot be reached, and the gap between us and our relevant competitors will get larger."
The airline said its low-yielding s routes, especially to Asia, Africa and South America, will be subject to review for 2016 and beyond.
"After this improved offer for all 19,000 flight attendants, we now expect a clear signal from the UFO. We are calling on the union to end the strike immediately", added Garnadt.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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