More Flights Cancelled
July 31, 2008
The airline, Germany's largest, said 136 flights were being cut through the course of the day, including long-haul intercontinental flights.
On Wednesday, Lufthansa cancelled 12 long-haul and 70 short-haul flights, largely because aircraft had not undergone required maintenance checks and were unable to take off. Four long-haul trips to US destinations and two flights to India and Dubai have been grounded.
Disagreement over money
Services trade union Verdi is demanding 9.8 percent more pay over a 12-month contract for 50,000 workers. Lufthansa has offered 6.7 percent over a 21-month contract, plus a one-time payment.
Both sides have called for talks over wages to resume, but Lufthansa officials would not comment on whether the company is considering a new offer.
The services union Verdi said about 5,000 workers had joined the strike. Verdi has warned that Lufthansa will face serious economic consequences if the strike drags on much longer.