BERLIN- Lufthansa Airlines’s (LH) ground staff is set to initiate a strike this Wednesday (Feb 7, 2024), as announced by the Verdi union on Monday. This marks the latest episode of industrial action impacting Germany’s transportation sector, with workers advocating for increased wages.
The strike is planned to commence at 4 a.m. (0200 GMT) and extend until 7:10 a.m. on Thursday, affecting airports in Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Hamburg (HAM), Berlin (BER), and Dusseldorf (QDU).
Lufthansa Ground Staff Strike
A spokesperson for Lufthansa mentioned to Reuters that it is premature to determine the exact number of cancellations as the airline formulated an emergency timetable assessing the potential impact on its 3,000 daily flights due to the strike. The spokesperson stated, “It will naturally be a lot.”
Negotiations for collective bargaining agreements are ongoing across various divisions at Lufthansa, reported Reuters.
In the discussions concerning contracts for ground staff, Verdi is advocating for a wage increase of 12.5% for 25,000 workers, or a minimum of 500 euros ($544.30) additional per month over a 12-month period, along with a one-time payment of 3,000 euros to counteract inflation.
Protest Amid Inflation
The union contends that an increased cost of living and the substantial workload resulting from staff shortages justify a demand for higher wages.
In the previous round of collective bargaining negotiations in July 2022, Lufthansa ground staff staged a walkout, leading to significant travel disruptions.
Subsequently, Europe’s largest economy has witnessed a series of nationwide strikes affecting air travel, railways, and public transport.
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