Referendums with clear majorities
The members of the Independent Flight Attendants’ Organization (UFO) at Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Lufthansa CityLine voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action in the ballots that concluded today. At Lufthansa, the approval rate was 94.02%, and at Lufthansa CityLine, it was 98.63%, with the notable fact that not a single dissenting vote was cast at the latter.
“The feedback from both airlines is impressive – and it goes far beyond the actual voting result,” explains Sara Grubisic, Vice Chair and Executive Board Member for Collective Bargaining Policy at UFO. “Participation in the strike ballots was higher than it has been in a long time. This shows how great the pressure is, but also how strong the unity is within the cabin crew. Our colleagues have sent a clear signal: They are prepared to stand up for their working conditions at Lufthansa and their social security at Lufthansa CityLine – and to consistently pursue this course of action.”
Negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (MTV) have failed from UFO’s point of view
Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) at Lufthansa had failed from the UFO union’s perspective. Even a hastily arranged mediated meeting to discuss “further action” did not change this.
“What Lufthansa is currently selling as ‘smart productivity’ is in reality nothing more than a dismantling of working conditions,” said Harry Jaeger, Head of Collective Bargaining and Chief Negotiator at UFO. “The aim here is to systematically dismantle protective standards. It is only logical that the cabin crew is resisting this and advocating for improved working conditions. This result demonstrates how clearly and broadly our position is supported by our colleagues.”
Willingness to talk signaled
At the same time, UFO has signaled its willingness to talk despite the deadlock. “We have not ruled out talks recently and will continue to do so. But one thing is equally clear: as long as Lufthansa management does not address our demands for a new collective bargaining agreement, or at least make a serious offer, there will be no progress. The employer cannot expect this conflict to simply disappear,” Jaeger continued.
From the union’s perspective, the situation at Lufthansa CityLine remains dire. Despite the planned cessation of flight operations and the resulting existential consequences for approximately 800 cabin crew members, the employer continues to refuse any negotiations regarding a collectively agreed social plan.
Clear vote
“What we are experiencing at CityLine is a persistent ignoring of desperately urgent needs and the reality our colleagues are already facing,” explains Jaeger. “Instead of offering solutions, management continues with non-committal attempts at appeasement and communication that alienates its own employees. This vote therefore sends a clear signal: the employees will no longer be strung along.”
“This clear vote is not just a confirmation, but a mandate. Our members rightly expect their demands to finally be taken seriously. If the employers continue to stall or resort to confrontation, it is also clear that the cabin crews at both airlines are ready to take the next steps. The results of the membership ballots give us the necessary momentum for this,” Grubisic concluded.
UFO will now decide on further action based on the results.
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