More than 90% of the 5,400 pilots at Lufthansa, one of Germany?s largest airlines, have voted to strike unless demands for better pay and working conditions are met. Among the pilot?s demands are the option to retire at 59 instead of the company?s policy and European court ruling of 65. Part of the turmoil is due to attempt by the company to contain costs, especially labor costs which stand about 15% above British Airways. Lufthansa has settled pay deals with cabin and ground crew, but the pilots? strike vote comes only a month after security staff went on strike. Lufthansa has not yet responded to the strike vote with a new offer.
See "UPDATE 2-Pilots at Germany?s Lufthansa vote for strike", Kristi Knolle & Victoria Bryan, Reuters, March 20, 2014