Lufthansa Cargo pilots continue strike action over contract conditions and pension provisions, impacting freighter operations and bellyhold capacity. The strike overlaps with cabin crew action, with Lufthansa Cargo operating a reduced flight schedule and implementing transit embargoes at major hubs.
According to Air Cargo News, Lufthansa Cargo pilot members of the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union are continuing their strike action for two more days. The pilots are striking over contract conditions and pension provisions, having already gone on strike on Monday and Tuesday (13 and 14 April). The strike action will overlap with industrial action by cabin crew union UFO.
Strike Details
The pilots working for Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa Airlines, and Lufthansa CityLine are participating in the strike. Despite the restrictions, Lufthansa Cargo expects to operate six freighter flights today and 14 tomorrow. Short- and long-haul flights operated by Lufthansa and Lufthansa CityLine over the two days of industrial action departing from Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) will be largely cancelled.
Operational Impact
Lufthansa Cargo hopes to operate two-thirds of flights despite the strikes. Across the whole Lufthansa Group, 70% of flights are expected to operate. At the Lufthansa Cargo Hubs in FRA and Munich MUC, cargo shipments – other than BUP shipments – will be accepted no earlier than 24 hours prior to departure until and including 20 April. A transit embargo is in place at both hubs until and including Monday, April 20, for all animals, hatching eggs, perishables, emergency shipments, organ shipments, human remains, and temperature-sensitive shipments.
Union’s Stance
‘We submitted a constructive arbitration proposal, which was also well received by the public. We regret all the more that this offer was rejected,’ said Andreas Pinheiro, president of the VC union.
Company Response
Lufthansa Group and Lufthansa Cargo are in close and continuous exchange with all parties involved in the ongoing industrial action. Freighter flights are expected to operate as scheduled, with the Lufthansa Group airlines, cooperating with Lufthansa Cargo and joint venture partners, Cathay Pacific and United Airlines.
Source: Air Cargo News
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
