Lufthansa Staff Hold Ballot On Summer Strikes
Airwise.com, 7/15/2008
Germany's Verdi trade union said it has launched a ballot at Lufthansa on possible strikes over pay during the summer.
"We expect a high voter turnout and a high level of approval. All signs are pointing to a strike," Verdi negotiator Erhard Ott said in a statement on Tuesday. The ballot would be open until July 24.
Verdi said results were expected a day later and strikes could start the following weekend.
Talks between Lufthansa and Verdi on salary for about 50,000 ground and cabin staff collapsed on Thursday, fueling fears of chaos for thousands of passengers.
Verdi wants a one-year contract with a 9.8 percent pay rise after Lufthansa boosted operating profit by 63 percent to EUR1.38 billion euros (USD$2.2 billion) last year.
Lufthansa has offered a 21 month contract with a two-step-rise of 6.7 percent and a 1 percent one-off payment.
"In previous years employees have repeatedly contributed to the restructuring (of the company) and have accepted cuts," Ott said. "Now they want to have a share in the success."
The carrier aims to match last year's performance in 2008 despite high fuel costs and economic weakness.
Warning strikes at the beginning of July forced the carrier to scrap more than 40 flights.
(Reuters)