FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Lufthansa's conciliation talks with pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit have ended without agreement. The two former state premiers appointed as conciliators, Roland Koch and Bodo Ramelow, initially refrained from presenting their own proposals for a solution, according to matching accounts from both sides. However, renewed pilot strikes are not currently imminent because, alongside the now-failed conciliation process, broader mediation between the parties is still underway.
In addition to collective bargaining issues, the mediation talks being held behind closed doors also cover strategic questions, such as the possible development of Lufthansa's core airline. The career prospects of pilots, as well as those of the cabin crew negotiating separately, depend in no small part on this.
Conciliation results no longer a fallback
It remains possible that the overall conflict between the company and its crews will be resolved through the mediation process. According to statements issued by the parties, the conciliators have offered to participate in the further proceedings. However, if the mediation fails, it is no longer possible to fall back on the results of the conciliation process.
The collective bargaining talks concern pension and pay issues at various German flight operations within the Lufthansa Group. For the airline Lufthansa CityLine, which closed in April, the VC union wants to negotiate a social plan. Behind the conflict over high production costs at the core airline is also management's strategy of transferring aircraft, and therefore crews, to flight operations where lower collective bargaining provisions apply.
The conflict has been simmering for some time. VC has already called on its members to strike on seven days this year. Hundreds of flights were also canceled during the ceremony in April marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa./ceb/DP/mis
