More Than 1000 Flights Cancelled By The Labor Action

Lufthansa pilots who are members of the German pilots' union VC staged a two-day strike December first and second, leading to the cancellation of about 1,000 flights as the month began.

Reuters reports that the union and the airline are in an ongoing dispute over retirement benefits. The airline has proposed changes to an early-retirement plan that was put in place decades ago. The dispute has resulted in multiple strikes this year.

The latest strike was scheduled for 0600 EST Monday to 1759 EST Tuesday on short- and medium-haul flights across Germany. Long-haul flights scheduled to depart between 0900 EST Monday and 1759 EST Tuesday were also affected.

The flight cancellations are expected to spill over into Wednesday, according to Lufthansa's website.

" Despite the extensive strike actions of the pilot's union Vereinigung Cockpit Lufthansa is able to operate more than half of the originally planned flights. All flights operated by the Lufthansa Group airlines Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Germanwings, SWISS and Air Dolomiti (operated by OS, SN, 4U, LX, EN) will not be affected. Once the strike has ended operations are expected to run largely as per normal from Wednesday on," the airline said in a statement posted on the website.

Reuters reports that Lufthansa says it has made concessions on salaries during the negotiations, but it will not accept the union's demand that pilots, including new hires, be allowed to retire at 55 years old.

The eight walkouts by pilots this year alone have reportedly cost the airline about $200 million in operating profits.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.lufthansa.com/de/en/Travel-information, www.vcockpit.de