UFO union says 96% in favour of action
Lufthansa's cabin crew have voted 96% in favour of open-ended strikes, the UFO union said yesterday (March 10).
With only 70% required to authorise industrial action, Lufthansa is reported to be in "last ditched talks" with UFO.
Cabin crew, represented by UFO, are said to be unhappy with Lufthansa's fourth round offer of a 10% wage increase, improved working conditions and profit sharing.
Protests staged twice this year have forced Lufthansa to cancel flights at a time when many airlines are struggling to remain profitable.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) last week said the world's airlines had lost $8bn (€6.3bn) due to "recession and fuel hedging losses," $3bn (€2.4bn) more than the expected $5bn (€3.4bn) loss.
Rival airline British Airways said it expects a loss of $207.3m (€164.2) in 2009.
Lufthansa is due to report full-year 2008 earnings on Wednesday after raising its forecast last month.
It said fourth quarter results were stronger than expected and aided by lower fuel costs.
Lufthansa's share price fell 2.3% to €7.795 at midday today.
www.lufthansa.com