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 | May 24, 2016 | Featured, Industry News, Lufthansa, Strike, Vereinigung Cockpit |
Late last week, Lufthansa and Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) ‘quietly’ agreed to work towards an agreement that would finally put an end to strikes by Lufthansa pilots.
Over the last few months you’ve noticed relative peace between LH and VC as both sides have been negotiating on several levels to reach an agreement that would protect pilot benefits as well as the Airline’s interest. To that end, there have been several separate groups negotiation a variety of issues. Going forward, both sides agreed to consolidate their efforts into one major push and have committed to having issues resolved and new agreements in place by the end of July.
What does this mean?
As long as both sides agree to work together and not pull any surprises, I suspect that we will have little to no risk of service disruptions due to striking pilots this summer. Odds for a deal have improved dramatically once the union provided concessions to the compensation structure for pilots, while LH committed to expanded career opportunities for pilots.
The only time strikes would be called would be when the union had a temper tantrum and wanted to send a message to the airline and its passengers. It appears that they are well past this, and are finally realizing that the best outcome is to get a deal done.
Hopefully the peace lasts……
