Lufthansa presents new offer to pilot union after failed talks

Lufthansa said it has presented Vereinigung Cockpit a “comprehensive and substantially improved” offer for the approximately 5,400 Lufthansa pilots represented by VC. The offer came following failed talks between the airline and the union last week. Lufthansa Group COO-human resources and legal affairs Bettina Volkens said Thursday: “The offer we have provided makes it possible to reach a comprehensive solution and begin a new cooperation. We want to shape the urgently needed changes to the decades-old labour agreements in cooperation with the union.” Along with a pay rise of 4.4% in 2 stages and a one-time bonus payment, Lufthansa has proposed keeping an early retirement scheme for new employees, provided the average retirement age of its German airline pilots is raised from 59 to 60. <br/>