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23-Feb-2010 11:38 AM

Lufthansa pilot strike suspended; normal schedule to resume on 26-Feb-2010

Lufthansa confirmed (22-Feb-2010) the suspension of its pilot strike, but stated the consequences of the strike will lead to continued flight irregularities in the following days (the carrier has released special timetables for the 22-25-Feb-2010 period, although these remain subject to short-term adjustments). Lufthansa stated it expects to return to its regular schedule as of 26-Feb-2010.

  • Court hearing: Pilot union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), agreed to resume negotiations "as quickly as possible and without preconditions" with the carrier, following a court hearing in which Lufthansa sought to have the strike declared illegal (Associated Press/Bloomberg/Gulf News, 22-Feb-2010/AAP/AFP, 23-Feb-2010). The carrier claimed in an injunction filing that some of the union's demands violated a no-strike clause in labour contracts, and that its LH Italia SpA division should not be included in the strike. However, Lufthansa rejected the union's request to place its demands for uniform pay and conditions into arbitration. The carrier had earlier promised job security until 2012 if they returned to negotiations, on the provision VC would not seek undue influence in managerial decisions;
  • Flight cancellations: The group cancelled approximately 800 flights on 22-Feb-2010 as a result of the strike, including some cargo operations and 67% of flights through Lufthansa. The carrier's hubs of Frankfurt and Munich were the worst affected, while services to the US, Africa, South America and Asia operated as scheduled.
  • Cabin crew: Unions representing Lufthansa's 16,000 cabin crew have now threatened to also strike if the carrier fails to reach an agreement over the staff's new wage contract. The current contract expires on 28-Feb-2010, with unions claiming Lufthansa is refusing to hold talks [more - Lufthansa notice] [more - Lufthansa timetable for 22-Feb-2010] [more - Lufthansa timetable for 23-Feb-2010] [more - Lufthansa timetable for 24-Feb-2010] [more - Lufthansa timetable for 25-Feb-2010]

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