German airline Lufthansa has struck a wage deal with cabin crews, ending the last of several major labour disputes in Germany's aviation sector that saw flight operations disrupted with several strikes.
The agreement on a three-year collective bargaining deal was announced by the Independent Flight Attendants Organization (UFO) trade union on Thursday.
The deal, which will run through the end of 2026, provides for wage increases of 17.4% in three stages for the nearly 19,000 employees covered by the agreement, and a one-off inflation compensation bonus of €3,000.
The agreement must still be approved by a vote of UFO members.
The union had originally demanded 15% raises – but over a much shorter deal lasting just 18 months. Salaries will now be increased by 8% on May 1 of this year, by 5% on March 1, 2025 and finally by 3% on March 1, 2026.
The most recent UFO strike, a one-day work stoppage on March 12, brought Lufthansa flight operations to a standstill.
Just before the Easter holiday, Lufthansa and the verdi trade union settled the wage dispute among Lufthansa ground staff with the help of arbitration. That deal was approved by 94.5% of union members.
Lufthansa pilots, meanwhile, have been bound by a long-term collective agreement for some time.
A separate wage dispute involving airport security workers employed by private contractors at German airports has also led to several disruptive strikes. Last week, a compromise to settle that dispute appeared to be reached through arbitration.
In the spring, all three professional groups repeatedly staged separate strikes, paralysing large parts of German air traffic.
Lufthansa's deal with flight attendants does not cover staff at Lufthansa subsidiaries Cityline and Discover.
The UFO trade union said progress has been made in separate talks toward collective bargaining deals with those workers, but no agreement has yet been reached.
Pilots at Discover, which operates flights from Germany to popular vacation destinations, are also fighting for their first collective bargaining deal. The airline was founded less than three years ago.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
As a frequent traveler, I am relieved to hear that Lufthansa and the cabin crews have finally reached a wage deal. It’s essential for both sides to find common ground to ensure smooth operations and fair compensation. Let’s hope that this agreement will pave the way for more stability in the aviation sector.
As a frequent traveler, I’m relieved to hear about Lufthansa finally reaching an agreement with the cabin crews. It’s been disheartening to see the disruptions caused by the labor disputes. Hopefully, this deal will bring stability and better service quality to the airline.
As a frequent traveler, I am relieved to hear that Lufthansa has finally reached an agreement with their cabin crews. The recent strikes have caused so much chaos and uncertainty for passengers. I hope this deal will bring stability and peace of mind for all those involved in the aviation sector.
It’s great to see that Lufthansa has finally reached a wage deal with cabin crews after all the recent labor disputes. Hopefully, this agreement will bring more stability to the aviation sector in Germany.
Does the new wage deal also include any other benefits for the cabin crews, such as improved working conditions or additional time off?
Hi MeganSmith87, the new wage deal primarily focuses on wage increases for the cabin crews over the next few years. While the agreement does not specify additional benefits like improved working conditions or extra time off, it does provide a significant wage boost and a one-time inflation compensation bonus. Hopefully, this wage deal can contribute to better overall satisfaction among the cabin crews, even without additional perks. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!
Was the wage increase negotiation process smooth or did it also face challenges like the previous labor disputes in the aviation sector?
EmilyFlier, the wage increase negotiation with the cabin crews faced its share of challenges, but ultimately reached a settlement, ending the bumpy ride experienced during this labor season for Lufthansa.
As a frequent traveler, I’m relieved to hear that Lufthansa has finally reached a wage deal with cabin crews. It’s been a turbulent time for the aviation sector in Germany with all these labor disputes causing flight disruptions. Hopefully, this agreement brings some stability and ensures a better flying experience for passengers.
Do you think the wage increases for cabin crew are sufficient considering the length of the collective bargaining deal?
Yes, I believe the wage increases for cabin crew are fair and justified given the length of the collective bargaining deal. A 17.4% wage increase over three years, along with a one-off bonus, provides stability and security for the employees while also addressing the union’s demands. It seems like a reasonable compromise considering the recent disruptions in flight operations due to the labor disputes. Let’s hope this agreement brings long-term peace to the aviation sector.
As a frequent traveler, I’m relieved to hear that Lufthansa has finally reached an agreement with their cabin crews. It’s been a bumpy ride for the company this labor season, but I hope this deal brings stability and ensures smooth operations in the future.
I think the negotiated wage deal between Lufthansa and the cabin crews is a positive step towards resolving the labor disputes that have been causing disruptions in the aviation sector. It’s good to see that both parties were able to reach an agreement that benefits the employees while considering the sustainability of the airline. Hopefully, this will lead to improved work conditions and smoother operations in the future.
Did the cabin crews get all the demands they initially asked for in the wage deal with Lufthansa?