In a move that could disrupt travel plans for thousands, Lufthansa’s cabin crew union has announced a strike at Lufthansa and short-haul carrier CityLine. The UFO union of flight attendants has called on its members to walk off the job on Tuesday and Wednesday, demanding higher pay.
The strike, which was voted for by members, is set to impact departures from Frankfurt airport on Tuesday and departures from Munich on Wednesday. Lufthansa estimates that about 100,000 passengers will likely be affected by the industrial action.
Lufthansa has been grappling with costly labour disputes, which have contributed to widening operating losses in the first quarter of 2024. Despite a travel boom that has boosted demand for air travel across Europe, higher labour and maintenance costs have limited earnings growth for airlines in the region.
To end strikes and address the demands of its employees, Lufthansa has already agreed to new, higher pay deals. However, analysts and investors have expressed concerns that these agreements could jeopardize the airline’s 2024 operating margin target.
This latest strike comes on the heels of a walkout by Lufthansa ground staff on Thursday and a vote by cabin crew on Wednesday to strike as they seek a 15% wage increase. The industrial action underscores the ongoing challenges faced by airlines as they navigate a post-pandemic recovery while dealing with the demands of their workforce.
(Source: BBC | DW | One Mile at a Time | Reuters)
