Portugal’s SPAC pilots’ union has criticised Lufthansa over alleged anti-union practices as the German group prepares to acquire a stake in TAP Air Portugal. The Portuguese government selected Lufthansa as preferred bidder for a 44.9% holding in the flag carrier, with an offer valued at about €1.2 billion including provisions for employee participation. The transaction is expected to be completed in 2028, subject to negotiations and regulatory approval.
SPAC warned that transferring what it described as Lufthansa’s “unethical anti-union practices” to TAP could undermine industrial peace and the efficiency of Lisbon’s hub. The union pointed to continuing labour disputes, recent strikes and the termination of an agreement providing release time for union representatives.
Lufthansa’s initial offer covers 44.9% of TAP, while up to a further 5% is reserved for employees. The Portuguese state will retain at least 50.1% during the initial phase. Lufthansa prevailed over Air France-KLM after submitting a bid that the government assessed at 16% above its rival’s proposal.
TAP’s Lisbon base and its links to Latin America are central to Lufthansa’s strategic interest in the carrier. The debate is also taking place as Lufthansa plans to cut about 4,000 jobs by 2030. Other Portuguese unions have called for employment safeguards and the preservation of Lisbon’s hub, while the country’s pilots’ association has broadly welcomed Lufthansa’s planned entry. The reported €1.2 billion figure reflects the purchase offer and related transaction terms, not a separate SPAC allegation about excessive company spending.