Lufthansa Flights Canceled as Pilots and Crew Strike
Significant disruptions occurred for passengers of Lufthansa due to a recent strike by pilots and flight attendants. On February 12, hundreds of flights were canceled, impacting approximately 100,000 travelers. The strike was primarily centered around demands for better retirement benefits amidst an ongoing pension dispute.
Lufthansa Flights Canceled: Strike Details
- Date of Strike: February 12
- Flights Affected: Nearly 800 cancellations
- Passengers Impacted: Around 100,000
Lufthansa reported that most flights at Frankfurt and Munich airports were grounded, particularly affecting international destinations. The airline described the impact on passengers as “extremely harsh and disproportionate.” Despite these disturbances, Lufthansa anticipates a return to a nearly normal schedule by the following day.
Background of the Strike
The industrial action was driven by the pilots’ union, VC, and the flight attendants’ union, UFO. The pilots are pushing for improved retirement benefits amid ongoing negotiations that have yielded no results since last year’s initial ballot. Talks between representatives from the unions and Lufthansa have not progressed successfully.
Response from Passengers
At Frankfurt airport, the atmosphere was relatively calm early in the day as many passengers decided to stay away upon learning of the cancellations. Travelers expressed frustrations over potential additional costs stemming from the unions’ demands.
Lufthansa’s Contingency Plans
In light of the strike, Lufthansa has taken measures to reroute passengers to partner airlines where possible. Although the situation reflects a critical issue within the airline concerning worker compensation, it also coincides with significant events in Germany, including the Berlinale film festival and the Munich Security Conference.
Union Actions and Future Plans
The UFO union, in particular, has mobilized against the closure of Lufthansa’s CityLine operations, seeking negotiations for a collective social plan. Union representative, Harry Jaeger, noted the simultaneous strike was unplanned but deemed beneficial for their cause.
As the situation develops, travelers are advised to stay informed through airline communications and plan accordingly, especially during peak travel times impacted by ongoing labor disputes.
