Lufthansa Strike News Reveals Travel Airlines Walkout

By: Tina Hodges
02/22/2010 10:57 AM ET

Lufthansa is facing a serious threat as pilots from one of the world’s largest airlines could disrupt travel plans for passengers. The company is still holding talks with the pilot’s union to avoid a possible complete walkout. More than 4,000 pilots are expected to walk off the job at midnight.

Strikes are the last thing an airline needs right now. Lufthansa has already canceled two-thirds of its scheduled flights Monday to Thursday ahead of the walkout. Company officials admitted it would have a “heavy influence” on its international operations.

The threatened walkout comes as the airline industry is digging out of the worst one-year drop-off in flights. In 2009, revenues dropped nearly 15 percent worldwide after generating a record $535 billion the previous year. Passenger travel fell a record 3.5 percent and freight fell more than 10 percent.

Company officials expect to lose $33 million a day if the pilot’s union moves forward with their plans. Many of the pilots have been working without a contract since March. More than 90 percent of the union’s members voted to strike.

The airline will offer a skeleton service from Monday to Thursday if there’s a walkout. The company will also employ pilots who are no longer with the union. Lufthansa carries 150,000 passengers a day, or 55 million a year.

The most recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), for 2008, indicates it is the world’s top full-price international carrier by passenger numbers. Including US and Chinese domestic carriers and Ryanair, Lufthansa Group ranked eighth by overall passenger numbers.

Experienced Pilots Earth Between $150,000 to $340,000 Plus Travel and Health Benefits

Experienced Lufthansa flight captains earn between $150,000 to $340,000 per year. More than 4,000 Cockpit members are to stop work at passenger services. Months of talks which began last May ended in deadlock over the weekend.

The union took a strike vote. Members last week authorized an all-out stoppage. However, the vote has won little sympathy from other company employees including cabin crew and ground staff. These employees are paid far less.