Image: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV (AFP)
“We have once again taken a big step towards Verdi and presented a new, even improved offer,” said Lufthansa human resources director Michael Niggemann on Thursday after negotiations with the Verdi union. He called on Verdi to accept the “fair” offer. From the union’s perspective, however, there is hardly any rapprochement.
- More on the subject: Hundreds of Lufthansa flights are canceled due to the warning strike
“We are still far apart,” said negotiator Marvin Reschinsky. The employer’s offer is less than 50 percent of the union’s package of demands. The details will be discussed with the employees in the coming days, then a decision will be made as to whether there will be another warning strike. “We are ready for further strikes if you are!” it said in a tariff information.
Verdi demands an increase
Lufthansa added half a percent to the permanent salary increase and is offering just over ten percent more money for the first twelve months. The percentage increase and the inflation bonus totaling 3,000 euros would be paid out more quickly than previously planned, starting in March. The term should be 28 months, three months longer than previously requested. Verdi, on the other hand, is demanding an increase of 12.5 percent and an inflation bonus of 3,000 euros for its approximately 25,000 employees for just one year.
For 13th/14th Further hearings are scheduled for March. The employees on the ground – from check-in and flight handling to administration to IT and technical staff – have already stopped work for a good day twice this month, most recently on Tuesday. Lufthansa canceled around 90 percent of flights in Germany, affecting around 100,000 passengers each time. According to previous information, one day of strike costs the company around 25 million euros.
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