Collective bargaining: Pilots are also preparing to go on strike at Eurowings

The pilots are also preparing to go on strike at the Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings. The union Vereinigung Cockpit has called on its members to vote, as they announced.

“A ballot is not a strike decision and not a break-up of talks. Of course, we are still willing to talk and would like to reach a solution through negotiations,” explained VC spokesman Lars Frontini.

VC has already proceeded in a similar way at the Lufthansa core company and has met with great approval from the workforce there. Negotiations are currently taking place behind closed doors. VC had recently announced that it would more closely coordinate trade union activities at the various Lufthansa companies. In the case of a ballot, the respective tariff committee ensures the support of the members for their line in the labor dispute, including possible strikes. The vote at Eurowings should end on August 31, as the union announced.

Hardly any progress in tariff talks

According to VC, collective bargaining at Eurowings has stalled. Hardly any progress was made in the talks about the working conditions of the crews. The employer had also not submitted a negotiable offer. The strong increase in air traffic since spring has met with a thinning of the workforce, which puts a heavy strain on colleagues.

A Eurowings spokesman said that the agreed negotiation plan was being adhered to. “It remains our concern and common mission to agree a solution at the negotiating table.” They want to work out solutions together that take into account the improved operating conditions of the pilots and the competitiveness of the company. Eurowings handles direct flights within Europe within the Lufthansa Group and has around 100 aircraft.