Lufthansa AG ground personnel are gearing up for a one-day warning strike next week, as labor union Verdi calls for industrial action on February 20. The strike is set to commence early Tuesday morning and conclude on Wednesday at 7:10 a.m. CET, impacting Lufthansa's key hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, as well as other airports across Germany. Travelers are likely to face significant flight cancellations and delays, with baggage handlers, cargo staff, and other ground services personnel expected to participate in the strike.
This upcoming strike follows a previous walkout earlier this month that resulted in Lufthansa axing between 80% and 90% of its scheduled flights. Verdi's decision to call for further industrial action stems from the breakdown of negotiations between the union and Lufthansa on February 12. The union expressed dissatisfaction with the airline's proposals, with employees feeling overlooked in the process. Verdi's key demands include a 12.5% salary increase or a minimum of €500 ($539) more per month over a year, along with an extra €3,000 inflation bonus for Lufthansa ground crew members.
As tensions escalate and disruptions loom, the next round of negotiations between Verdi and Lufthansa is slated for the day after the planned strike concludes, on Wednesday, February 21. The outcome of these talks will be crucial in determining the future course of action for both the union and the airline, as they navigate through the challenges posed by the ongoing dispute. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding air travel in Germany, passengers are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential changes to their travel plans as the situation unfolds.