Lufthansa agrees to arbitration with cabin crew, averting strikes

Lufthansa has agreed with its cabin crew labour union to enter arbitration over a wage dispute, the airline and the union said Tuesday, averting further strikes. Cabin crew held a strike over pay and pensions for 2 days last week, resulting in the cancellation of 1 in 5 flights, affecting around 180,000 passengers and costing the airline E10-E20m (US$11-$22m). The UFO labour union is obligated to "maintain industrial peace," Lufthansa said. "Strikes are accordingly excluded for the time being." Lufthansa said UFO's demands for higher expenses and purser allowances would be discussed. The parties will hold a joint press conference Thursday to announce details. <br/>