The strike by Lufthansa ground staff at various German airports is having a significant impact on flight operations. The carrier has had to cancel an enormous number of flights so far. in Frankfurt am Main the failure rate is over 90 percent.

The Verdi union criticizes the fact that, despite the industrial action, no improved offer has yet been submitted. Now the employee representatives are flexing their muscles and pointing out that the willingness to strike is particularly high and if the company management does not give in, then they would call for longer-lasting work stoppages.

Verdi has called on Lufthansa ground employees at its Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin and Düsseldorf locations to go on a warning strike. Lufthansa has already canceled around 80 percent of all flights planned for Wednesday in advance. Depending on the airport, the rate of canceled connections is also higher. For example, around 90 percent of Lufthansa flights are canceled at the home base in Frankfurt. Group and customer airlines that have commissioned Lufthansa to provide ground handling services are also affected.

The employee representatives are demanding at least 500 euros more salary per month. The wage increases should be 12,5 percent over a period of one year. They also demand a one-off payment of 3.000 euros to compensate for inflation. Lufthansa is surprised by the demands and refers to previous wage increases. Salary increases of 13 percent over three years were offered. However, this is not enough for the trade unionists, so they are threatening longer strikes if necessary. The negotiating teams will meet again at the table on February 12, 2024.

The ground staff is not the only “construction site”. At Discover Airlines, the Cockpit Association has already called on the pilots to stop work three times. The flight attendant union UFO also joined in at least one strike call. This also criticizes the fact that negotiations over higher wages at Lufthansa Cityline are said to be deadlocked. Things are also simmering on the mainline and strikes by cabin crew can no longer be ruled out.