German carrier Lufthansa faces being grounded for a second time this month with pilots set to strike for two days from tomorrow (Wednesday) morning in a dispute over pay.
Lufthansa confirmed it was in last-minute negotiations with the pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit, today in an attempt to avert the strike after the union announced the two-day walkout.
The pilots also struck last Friday (September 2) causing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and disruption to tens of thousands of passengers
The carrier warned of “massive effects on Lufthansa’s flight operations” if the strike went ahead.
Even a last-minute postponement of the action would likely result in wholesale cancellations as it would be too late to reinstate services.
Lufthansa chief human resources officer and labour director Michael Niggemann said: “It is regrettable that this wage dispute continues to escalate despite negotiation.
“We lack any understanding for this course of action. We know our pilots would rather fly than strike.
“We will do everything in our power to succeed with an improved offer, even under time pressure.”
Lufthansa noted the union had changed a key demand following a ruling by a labour court in Munich last week.
The union had demanded an inflation-linked pay increase next January in addition to a 5.5% increase this year but now wants an annual increase of 8.2% for 2023.
Lufthansa said it would present an improvement on its previous offer.