Lufthansa has pacified its ground staff and is negotiating constructively with the regular pilots. But now there is a threat of new stress elsewhere, because the youngest offshoot of tourism is fermenting.
The next conflict between employees and management is on the horizon in the Lufthansa Group. According to a spokesman, the cabin union Ufo wants to take “union steps” if there are no dates for collective bargaining at the subsidiary “Eurowings Discover” by the end of August.
Ufo accuses the group of not having responded to three calls for negotiations so far. There is also no works council at the company launched last year, which now has around 1,300 employees, although an electoral board was appointed in April.
As the youngest airline in the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings Discover has been around for a good year and, according to its own statements, will soon have 21 long- and medium-haul aircraft. It was founded expressly with the aim of offering tourist flights at lower costs than the parent airline Lufthansa. In contrast to Eurowings, which is limited to Europe, the Discover is fully integrated into the Lufthansa network, which should lead to consistent booking processes and seamless transfer traffic. Just over a million guests were transported in the first year.
Lowest salaries in the entire group
The previously untariffed Eurowings Discover is posing as an unconventional start-up, but pays the cabin crew the lowest salaries in the entire group, said the UFO spokesman. However, fair salaries and affordable rosters are important. Internally, flight attendants also report a working atmosphere that subtly but unmistakably makes it clear that it is better not to get angry.
A spokeswoman for the airline referred to salary increases already granted for September, one-off payments and permanent contracts. These changes were worked out in a joint dialogue with “designated persons of trust in the cockpit and cabin”. At the same time, the establishment of a works council is supported. The company did not comment on the question of possible dates for collective bargaining.
At the same time, the spokeswoman confirmed that the holiday airline makes less stringent regulations on the external appearance of the stewards and stewardesses than the regular airline. According to the style guide, visible tattoos up to 8 square centimeters are permitted, as are piercings. Men have recently been allowed to wear nail polish and subtle make-up. “We are convinced that the self-confidence of our employees is strengthened if they can appear to guests in a way that makes them feel comfortable,” explains the airline.
The Lufthansa Group had only recently averted further strikes by Lufthansa ground staff by concluding a new collective agreement. Negotiations are being held behind closed doors with the pilots of the Cockpit Association, who have already agreed in principle to industrial action. In autumn there are also talks with Ufo for Lufthansa cabin crew.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
