Publications
Partners
Berlin - German pilots' union VC is calling a strike at carrier Deutsche Lufthansa for Monday and Tuesday after talks over early retirement benefits broke down.
The dispute, over proposed changes to an early retirement scheme for pilots that was developed decades ago, has resulted in repeated strikes this year, affecting thousands of passengers of Germany's largest airline.
The VC union said the Germany-wide strike would last from 11:00 GMT on Monday to 22:59 GMT on Tuesday for short- and medium-haul flights, as well as from 02:00 GMT to 23:59 CET on Tuesday for long-haul flights.
Pilots flying for Lufthansa Cargo will also strike from 03:00 CET to 23:59 CET on Tuesday. Flights of budget arm Germanwings are not affected.
Lufthansa was not immediately available for comment. It said on Saturday the airline had made concessions in recent talks, including a 5% pay rise, but it reiterated that it would not accept a request that new pilots, as well as those already with the company, should be able to retire at 55.
Eight walkouts by staff this year wiped $200m off the carrier's operating profit, adding to pressure from a stuttering global economy and increased competition.
Lufthansa last month lowered its profit guidance for 2015 for the second time this year, hitting its shares.
Passenger transport in Germany has also been disrupted by train drivers' strikes this year. The latest walkout earlier this month thwarted many Germans' plans to travel by rail to celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall.
Like the pilots, train drivers have yet to reach a deal with their employers.
