Lufthansa pilots to extend strike action into second day
24 / 11 / 2016
The German pilots’ association Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has extended its strike action to add a second day of problems for Lufthansa.
Today (23 November) now marks just the first of two days that will cause significant disruption to the carrier’s flight schedule.
In a statement released on 22 November, Lufthansa Cargo confirmed that its freighter flights would operate as scheduled the following day, despite any industrial action. Both Lufthansa’s short- and long-haul passenger services have been affected, however.
And a statement distributed by the flag-carrier today added: “For incomprehensible reasons, the pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit has announced an additional strike for Thursday before Wednesday’s strike has even begun.
“Once more, they are inflicting extensive damage on our company and especially on our customers.
“Lufthansa will make preparations to deal with the operative effects of the strike immediately, in order to allow its customers to make reliable plans as soon as possible. 876 flights have already been cancelled for Wednesday, including 51 long-haul flights.
“The extension of the strike is an additional escalation by VC, which will cause even more uncertainty for our customers. Lufthansa has offered the union a joint request for mediation. Because this labour dispute can only be resolved if a compromise can be found together.”
The operations of Lufthansa Group airlines Eurowings, Germanwings, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Air Dolomiti and Brussels Airlines are not being affected by the strike.
