bstrand symbolized points of conflict. And there were plenty of them in the arbitration proceedings between Deutsche Lufthansa and the Verdi union. When the opponents threatened to become entangled in the dispute over a collective agreement for the more than 20,000 ground employees, the arbitrator Frank-Jürgen Weise appointed by Lufthansa is said to have insisted on writing all the points on a board. The former head of the Federal Employment Agency put a flash behind every line that not everyone supported.
“And then the lightning was released,” said Thuringia’s Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (Left), the arbitrator appointed by Verdi, describing the further proceedings. Looking back, he spoke of “constructive and solution-oriented days of negotiations”, although the talks were on the verge of failure at one point. This was indicated by the arbitrator appointed by Lufthansa. The negotiations were “difficult due to the variety of topics” and “the different levels of services required and offered”. Ultimately, however, the negotiations were well-founded and respectful.
According to Verdi, the ground workers receive up to 18 percent more salary. Lufthansa put the average surcharge at around 12.5 percent, which will be granted in two steps retroactively to January 1 and March 1, 2025. The increase is greater for lower income groups than for upper income groups. Verdi had originally demanded 12.5 percent more, but for a tariff term of only one year. The agreement will now be valid for two years.
Lufthansa: “Major economic challenge”
“We fought hard for this compromise and we can now be very satisfied,” said Verdi negotiator Marvin Reschinsky. The result means “real real wage increases” and the deficit of previous years will be compensated for. Lufthansa Human Resources Director Michael Niggemann spoke of “good news”, but at the same time “the deal is of course a big economic challenge for us, to which we now have to find answers.” Arbitrator Frank-Jürgen Weise also called the deal a “challenge in an international Environment in which many nations significantly subsidize their critical infrastructure.”
Compared to its previous offer from the end of February, the group had to make an improvement in the arbitration. Lufthansa had offered a surcharge of 10 percent in two steps, and Verdi was particularly annoyed by the fact that the larger step would not take place until next year. Now the salaries of ground staff are increasing by 7 percent this year – at least by 280 euros per month. As of March 1, 2025, a base amount of 150 euros and an additional 2 percent surcharge will be added.
An inflation compensation bonus will also be paid – 2,000 euros as soon as possible, 1,000 euros in November. A shift allowance was also agreed upon, which, according to Verdi, existed until 2005. In addition, there is a surcharge of 150 euros on holiday pay, a regulation for flexible working hours, a guarantee for trainees to be taken on until January 2029 and an equalization of working conditions in East and West Germany.
Verdi members are still being consulted about agreement
“We know what our colleagues do every day, and it is important to us that salaries develop appropriately and well,” said Lufthansa board member Niggemann at the end. Employee circles had recently questioned whether management actually valued the ground staff sufficiently. The higher collective bargaining agreement for pilots from last year was used as an indication.
The arbitrators Ramelow and Weise are said to have had a moderating influence on both sides in the discussions so that they could move towards each other. They apparently didn't make any suggestions of their own to end the dispute. The agreement has not yet been finalized. However, the responsible Verdi tariff commission has approved it and recommends that members agree to the agreement in a survey.
With the breakthrough in arbitration, it is certain that there will be no strike on Lufthansa flights over Easter. However, all collective bargaining conflicts have not been resolved. There has so far been no agreement in talks with the UFO union for the flight attendants of the Lufthansa brand and the subsidiary Cityline. After UFO had already called for a warning strike, negotiations are currently underway.
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