Lufthansa has begun collective bargaining negotiations with the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) today (Sept. 6) under high time pressure since the next strike is due to begin tonight.
In the event of a strike on 7 and 8 September, massive effects on Lufthansa's flight operations are again to be expected.
Michael Niggemann, Chief Human Resources Officer and Labor Director at Deutsche Lufthansa, said: "It is regrettable that this wage dispute continues to escalate despite an agreed negotiation date. We lack any understanding for this course of action. The path of escalation is also wrong because we know that our pilots would much rather fly than strike. Nevertheless, we will do everything in our power to succeed with an improved offer, even under time pressure."
After the Vereinigung Cockpit collective bargaining demand was changed last Friday as a result of a ruling by the Munich labor court, the union will present the new demand for the first time today. The previous demand for automated inflation compensation has been replaced by a demand for an annual pay increase of 8.2 percent starting in 2023 - in addition to a 5.5 percent increase this year. The union's list of demands contains a total of 16 individual points.
Lufthansa stated that it will make an improved offer today. So far, an increase of €500 on 1 September 2022, and €400 on 1 April 2023, have been offered.