Mediation between Lufthansa and its pilots ends without agreement

A round of talks between the German airline Lufthansa and the pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) ended without success on Thursday, though there is no threat of an imminent strike, as a broader mediation process between the parties is still ongoing.

The mediation talks, held behind closed doors, cover not only collective bargaining issues but also strategic matters, such as plans for parent company Lufthansa.

The discussions are seen as crucial for the career prospects for pilots and for cabin crew members, who are negotiating separately.

It is still possible that mediation will resolve the differences between the company and the crews. Arbitrators have offered to participate in the further process.

The collective bargaining negotiations centre on issues of pension provision and pay at various German flight operations within the Lufthansa Group.

The VC union is also seeking to secure a redundancy plan for Lufthansa Citylines - an airline that was folded in April.

Underlying the conflict over high production costs at the parent company is also the Executive Board's strategy of relocating aircraft - and thus crews - to flight operations where lower collective agreement terms apply.

The dispute has been simmering for some time, and the pilots' union has already called on its members out on strike on seven days this year. Hundreds of flights were cancelled during the April ceremony marking Lufthansa's 100th anniversary.