Strike action called by Lufthansa pilots’ union - "totally inappropriate"

Lufthansa pilots union, Vereinigung Cockpit, announced (17-Feb-2010) plans to call a four day strike for all Lufthansa pilots (including. Lufthansa Cargo and Germanwings), to commence on 22-Feb-2010, following failed negotiations at the end of 2009 (Bloomberg/Dow Jones/Reuters, 17-Feb-2010). The union has made demands on job security, seeking a guarantee Lufthansa services will not be replaced by recently acquired subsidiaries and their staff, and has insisted on a "greater say" on fundamental entrepreneurial issues, which Lufthansa stated it cannot accept as it equates to "intervention in business management". VC has also requested a 6.4% pay rise for pilots over the next 12 months. The union stated over 93% of pilots voted for the action, and were prepared to hold additional strikes if required. The union stated it is prepared to resume negotiations with Lufthansa at any time. [more]

Lufthansa: "A strike will appreciably damage the Company, its customers and staff. The union's call for strike action, despite numerous proposals on job security put forward by Lufthansa is entirely inappropriate. In the interests of the Company and its customers, the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union is urged to return to the negotiating table in order to work out a constructive solution to the dispute. Lufthansa will go to every length to minimise the impact of a stoppage on customers and passengers." Company Statement. Source: Lufthansa, 17-Feb-2010.