Verdi Demands Higher Wage Increase from Lufthansa Ground Crew
Labour Union Verdi Demands Better Offer from Lufthansa for Ground Staff
German labour union Verdi is urging Lufthansa to provide a more substantial wage increase for its ground crew before engaging in fresh pay negotiations to prevent further industrial action.
Strike Impacts 100,000 Passengers as Ground Staff Walk Off the Job
Recent strikes by Lufthansa’s ground staff at major airports have led to disruptions affecting around 100,000 passengers, marking the second strike within a month.
Verdi Seeks Earlier Meeting for Pay Dispute Resolution
Verdi is pushing for an earlier meeting with Lufthansa to expedite a resolution for the pay dispute involving approximately 25,000 ground staff, following unsuccessful talks on March 13 or 14.
Call for Improved Offer Before Further Negotiations
The labour union has requested Lufthansa to present a significantly enhanced offer before any additional talks take place, emphasizing the need for progress in the negotiations.
Nationwide Strikes in Germany Amid High Inflation
Germany has witnessed a series of nationwide strikes across various sectors, including air travel, railways, and public transport, as workers demand higher wages amidst rising inflation rates.
Verdi’s Wage Demands for Ground Staff
Verdi is advocating for a 12.5% wage increase or a minimum of 500 euros extra per month over a year, along with a one-time payment of 3,000 euros to address the financial concerns of ground staff members.
Employer’s Response and Negotiation Challenges
Lufthansa’s limited amendments to their initial offer have not met Verdi’s expectations, leading to prolonged negotiations and mounting pressure on both parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Germany has been hit by a number of nationwide strikes affecting air travel, railways and public transport, as workers faced with high inflation demand greater pay.
Employers have asked for a general cooling-off period giving priority to negotiations and more arbitration, as the strikes are costing industries customers and jobs.
Verdi said Lufthansa on Jan. 21 and 22 had only made two amendments to its initial offer, characterising those points as merely “small concessions”. Lufthansa had also lengthened the duration of a proposed new pay structure by three months to 28 months, Verdi said.
($1 = 0.9244 euros)
