by Lufthansa Flyer | Sep 18, 2016 | Featured, Lufthansa, Strike, Vereinigung Cockpit |
Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), the union representing the bulk of Lufthansa’s ‘mainline’ pilots, has announced that it has broken off negotiations. This comes after several months of negotiations worked to arrive at long term labor peace.
The big sticking point is VC’s demand that Lufthansa provide an outlet for pilots to choose early retirement and still receive their full retirement benefits, a concept that LH has steadfastly opposed.
Another fly in the union’s ointment is Lufthansa activity around Eurowings. With recent announcements of LH taking on Air Berlin aircraft and routes, as well as the expansion of Eurowings to Munich, the union is claiming this is being done intentionally by LH to reduce mainline demand. The union sees the risk of potential pilot layoffs from mainline which is why it feels LH is not negotiating a solution to early retirement options.
Though no strikes have been mentioned by name, VC has a history of calling ‘warning’ strikes that pop up with little or no notice, and last a few hours at a time. Just enough to disrupt operations and upset an airport full of passengers. These mini-strike are often warning shots in an attempt to force LH’s hand and they typically don’t succeed. So don’t be surprised if something isn’t announced on very short notice over the coming weeks.
Personally, I thought that VC and LH had started to warm up towards one another over the last few months after a tumultuous 2014 and 2015 that saw 13 strikes and hundreds of millions of Euro in losses for Lufthansa.
This of course is addition to the labor woes impacting Eurowings as they try to sort things out with Ver.di.
I’m afraid that history may be poised to repeat itself…….
by Lufthansa Flyer | Aug 16, 2016 | Featured, Lufthansa, Strike, UFO, Vereinigung Cockpit |
Months ago, Lufthansa and Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) had set a soft target of August 5 to come to terms with one another and finally reach an agreement that would satisfy everyone. With the deadline now 10 days in the past, no major progress was reported. As a matter a fact, in comments coming from both sides it seems that they may have even lost some ground that was gained in past negotiations.
Are Strikes likely?
At this point, no. Negotiations have not been contentious and both sides agree that it is in everyone’s best interest to work towards an agreement that would appease everyone. Of course this has been proven to be easier said than done.
For now it looks as though negotiations will pause which will allow each side to go back to their corner, assess what has happened and what needs to happen. Once that takes place, they’ll start another round of negotiations and continue the dance.
Related: Lufthansa Reaches Agreement With Flight Attendants
by Lufthansa Flyer | Jul 22, 2016 | Featured, Italy, Passenger Experience, Strike |
Capping a stretch of on-again, off-again strikes over the past few weeks, Italian Air Traffic Controllers and some Airline staff are set to walk off their jobs Saturday, July 23 from 1:00p to 5:00p local time.
Those that are striking include airport staff in Rome, Milan Linate, and Milan Malpensa. In addition to the airport employees, it also appears that Alitalia staff in Rome will also join the 4 hour walk-out.
According to EuroControl, this strike will not impact flights overflying Italy or Intercontinental flights (arrivals and departures).
If your travels involve regional or European flights to or from Italy, you may want to check with your airline or travel agent to determine the strikes impact on your itinerary.
