LUFTHANSA AIRLINE STRIKE IN FULL SWING
Image : The Washington Post
Lufthansa flight attendants began a 24 walk-out at midnight on Thursday, which is set to last until midnight tonight.As a result, around two thirds of today’s flights have been cancelled. However, the true effect of the strike is still unclear, as delays have also been affected by noise abatement regulations.
The strikes, which are part of a series of on-going walk outs, are a response to the new cost reduction programme planned by the airline. The union objects to what it believes will result in lower salaries for new employees.
Previously walkouts were called with only six hours notice, causing chaos at the airport terminals. However, the current action is expected to cause less problems; Lufthansa had longer to prepare for the strike and flights were cancelled well in advance.
Klaus Walther, Lufthansa spokesman, said: "If we want to continue to play a leading global role, we have to adjust to modern competition." His comments, reported on n-tv, shed doubts on the possibility of the dispute being settled quickly.
Lufthansa is Germany's largest airline, and the strike is expected to cost some €7 million. The union is demanding a five percent pay raise for more than 18,000 cabin staff.
07/09/2012 : travelbite.co.uk.
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