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Lufthansa Pilots Threaten Autumn Strikes Over Pension Dispute

Pilots demand better pension provision. Outsourcing plans add fuel to the fire. Strikes likely this autumn.

This is airplane.
This is airplane.

Lufthansa Pilots Threaten Autumn Strikes Over Pension Dispute

Lufthansa pilots are threatening strikes in the coming weeks due to a long-standing labor dispute over company pensions. Around 4,800 pilots are involved, with a majority voting for industrial action.

The union initially demanded a tripling of the employer's contribution but reduced this demand over seven rounds of talks. Despite this, no agreement has been reached. Lufthansa's CEO, Jens Ritter, maintains that there are no funds to increase the 'already very good' company pension provision, which the union considers a central pillar of life planning for pilots.

The dispute has escalated as Lufthansa plans to outsource smaller aircraft and pilot jobs to other airlines with lower wage costs by 2030. Both the Cockpit Association (VC) and the cabin crew union UFO oppose this strategy and have declared their wage negotiations failed. A ballot showed that 90% of Lufthansa pilots and 95% of Lufthansa Cargo pilots support industrial action.

A strike by Lufthansa pilots is likely in the coming weeks, with a high probability around the start of the 2025 autumn school holidays. However, no specific strike dates have been announced yet. The union's tariff commission will decide on the exact timing, and further steps will be discussed on Wednesday. Lufthansa passengers should expect potential disruptions to their travel plans.

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