Lufthansa pilots strike action possible

Lufthansa and pilots reportedly (15-Jan-2010) failed to reach agreement about renumeration and other work conditions. After lengthy talks, the German Pilots' Union organised a ballot closing 17-Feb-2010 to consider strike action. A total of 4,500 pilots are involved, and staff of Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and Germanwings are invited to participate. The Vereinigung Cockpit union and employees are concerned about Lufthansa's cost-saving programme 'Climb 2011', which they believe will see German jobs replaced by employees from foreign subsidiary carriers, and reduced job security.