In the midst of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the Verdi union and the Lufthansa subsidiaries ASL and ASD at the Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports, there is great dissatisfaction among the 140 employees.
The employees are demanding wage adjustments to the western level, as they continue to earn up to 34 euros less than their West German colleagues despite 1300 years of German unity. The union's demands include a salary increase of 850 euros and an inflation compensation payment of 3000 euros. In contrast, the employers' offer only includes a three percent increase and a one-off payment of 1000 euros.
In addition to the wage issue, Lufthansa has announced the closure of ASL and ASD, which would mean the loss of employees' jobs. The planned closure has further fueled employee frustration. In previous warning strikes, employees drew attention to their situation in October and forced flight cancellations. Another negotiation date is scheduled for next Tuesday. If no agreement is reached, further strikes, possibly even in the run-up to Christmas, cannot be ruled out.
For the union, the conflict is far-reaching: "Wages also play an important role in questions of severance pay and unemployment benefits," stressed union representative Lou Hauser. There is no definitive closure date for the companies yet, which further increases the uncertainty among employees.
and 