Lufthansa and the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union have begun an initial pre-mediation meeting in Frankfurt as they seek to settle their dispute over pay and retirement-related terms. Former state premiers Bodo Ramelow and Roland Koch have started work as mediators, with the process covering Lufthansa’s main brand, Lufthansa Cargo, CityLine and Eurowings.
The first meeting was intended to give the mediators a clearer picture of both sides’ positions and the issues driving the talks, VC president Andreas Pinheiro said. The union remains cautiously optimistic, but the central question is whether the discussions can produce lasting solutions and avert strike action.
The dispute affects almost 5,000 pilots and centres on higher employer contributions to occupational pensions. Koch will handle Lufthansa Classic and Lufthansa Cargo, while labour lawyer Günther Heckelmann will deal with Eurowings and Lufthansa CityLine on the airline’s side.