Lufthansa Cargo acknowledges that the recent prolonged strikes have had a significant impact on their operations. In order to fund the agreed upon salary increases, the company will need to focus on increasing productivity and efficiency.
Following four months of intermittent strike action and five rounds of negotiations with German trade union ver.di, Lufthansa Cargo has offered a new benefit agreement to its ground staff. This agreement includes significant pay increases, aiming to put an end to strike action and restore reliability for Lufthansa customers.
A Lufthansa Cargo spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the compromise reached, despite the financial challenges posed by the strikes. The spokesperson also highlighted the need for high investments in the future.
Ver.di had been advocating for a minimum 12.5% pay increase for ground handlers, among other conditions, through continued strikes. The spokesperson emphasized the challenging nature of the negotiation process and underscored the importance of open dialogue to prevent disruptions to customers and employees.
Lufthansa Cargo now faces the task of managing inflated staff costs in a difficult economic climate, as many airlines reported losses in 2023 due to the impact of the Covid pandemic. Despite a decrease in revenue and adjusted ebitda compared to the previous year, the company remains optimistic about addressing the financial implications of the salary increases through improved efficiency and productivity.
Ver.di members will have the opportunity to accept or reject the new offer through a survey conducted until mid-April. Lufthansa expressed hope that employees covered by the agreements will be satisfied with the outcome, though the final decision remains uncertain.
