After the nationwide warning strike at Lufthansa, the Verdi union expects the company to make a “conclusive offer” for the approximately 20,000 ground workers. It is up to the employers to end the collective bargaining conflict in the round of negotiations that starts on Wednesday (3 August), explained Verdi Vice-Chairwoman and chief negotiator Christine Behle on Tuesday. According to a statement, she said: “A result in this round is crucial to prevent further warning strikes.” Otherwise, these could take place during the main travel season, she told the “Handelsblatt”.
Behle explained that employees were under increasing pressure due to the lack of staff and high inflation. “They urgently need more money and they need relief – for themselves and for the passengers.”
More than 1000 flies fell out last week
Last Wednesday, Verdi paralyzed almost the entire Lufthansa flight program with a warning strike, so that around 134,000 passengers had to change their plans. More than 1000 flights were canceled due to the strike. Previously, negotiations had been held in two rounds. The third round is scheduled for two days in Frankfurt.
The union is demanding salary increases of 9.5 percent over a period of twelve months, but at least 350 euros per month, which would result in higher increases in the lower salary brackets. In addition, the minimum hourly wages should rise to at least 13 euros and later have a collectively agreed distance from the statutory minimum wage. This will rise to 12 euros on October 1 of this year.
The group had offered a two-stage increase in the basic salary by a total of 250 euros over a period of 18 months. The company had calculated that this would result in double-digit growth rates for remuneration groups up to EUR 3,000 gross. In addition, from July 2023 there should be more money for every two percent if the group makes a profit again. Verdi also rejects this link to the group result.
