BERLIN
Pilots at German carrier Lufthansa have announced a 24-hour strike on Wednesday at airports across the country, as a months-long row over pensions continues.
Pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) said on Tuesday that its members will not fly any short-and medium-haul flights from German airports between 2301 GMT on Tuesday and 2259 GMT on Wednesday.
The union, which represents 5,400 pilots at Lufthansa, accused the management for not offering any viable compromise at the negotiations last week and blamed it for the collapse of talks.
The union said in a written statement released on Monday night: "The Lufthansa management has insisted on its position which dramatically worsens conditions for the young pilots and even foresees an end to the transitional pension payments.
"That is not acceptable."
Flights cancelled
The union said it will continue to take action to put more pressure on the management and expressed regret for any inconvenience to passengers.
Germany’s largest airline announced on Tuesday that it was making alternative plans and compiling special timetables for passengers.
Lufthansa also said that its long-distance flights would not be not affected by the strike.
VC has been in conflict with Lufthansa since April last year due to a major disagreement over plans to change the current scheme, which presently allows pilots to retire at the age of 59 - six years earlier than the official retirement age.
The union so far staged 11 strikes, leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights.
