Berlin- A union representing pilots at German carrier Lufthansa says they will stage a two-day strike starting Wednesday unless the company makes a “serious” offer in talks over pay increases.
It would be the second strike in a week after pilots staged a walkout Friday that led to hundreds of flights being cancelled.
The Vereinigung Cockpit union has called for a 5.5% raise for its members this year and an inflation-busting 8.2% increase in 2023. Pilots are also seeking a new pay and holiday structure.
The airline says those measures would increase its staffing costs by about 40%, or around 900 million euros over two years. It has instead offered a one-off increase of 900 euros ($900), amounting to a 5% increase for senior pilots and an 18% increase for those starting the profession.
Strong unions have traditionally ensured good conditions for workers in Germany, using strikes to press their demands in labor disputes.
According to police, more than 100 people, relatives and family members of the stranded passengers gathered outside the airport and demanded refunds or alternate arrangements. Information was received on Friday at 12:15 am that a crowd had gathered on the main road in front of departure gate number 1, Terminal 3 IGI Airport, a senior police officer said.