A majority of Lufthansa pilots have voted in favor of a strike amid ongoing disputes over pension benefits, with the timing yet to be determined.

The pilots' union, VC, demands higher employer contributions to the pension fund for around 4,800 cockpit employees, criticizing the 2017 shift from guaranteed payouts to contributions, which has worsened pension levels due to low interest rates.

Lufthansa, facing financial difficulties and implementing a tough restructuring plan, has refused to increase pension contributions, citing a lack of funds as it aims to cut costs and transfer short- and medium-range flights to subsidiaries with lower wages by 2030.

Lufthansa plans to transfer about half of its short- and medium-haul flights to subsidiaries Discover and City Airlines by 2030, aiming to reduce costs by shifting smaller aircraft operations and pilot jobs to these lower-wage carriers.

This strategy to outsource flights has faced resistance from unions, including VC and Ufo, which have declared negotiations unsuccessful and oppose the move.

As part of its broader restructuring, Lufthansa intends to cut approximately 3,000 to 4,000 jobs in the coming years, mainly in administration, to improve financial performance.

Labor tensions are escalating, with failed negotiations with Ufo over a comprehensive labor agreement for cabin crew, indicating potential for further industrial action.

Previous pilot strikes in 2022 and ground staff strikes from 2012 to 2016 have caused significant operational disruptions and financial losses, with recent work stoppages costing nearly half a billion euros.

Recent technical faults, such as a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 returning to Frankfurt due to a malfunction, have caused delays and passenger inconvenience.

The potential pilot strike could coincide with the autumn holidays, risking widespread disruption for travelers and adding to Lufthansa’s financial woes, which have been ongoing since last year.

This strike threat and ongoing disputes are causing concern among passengers, especially those traveling from Frankfurt during the holiday season.

Internal opposition from unions like VC and Ufo exists against Lufthansa’s strategic moves to outsource flights, with arguments that such decisions should be subject to collective bargaining.

While Lufthansa’s management remains open to negotiations, it warns that a strike would further limit options, especially given the airline’s current financial constraints.