German pilots union plans Thursday strike at Lufthansa's main airline

• The strike will impact Lufthansa Group's core German airline and Lufthansa Cargo for a full 24-hour period on February 12
• Union demands include more generous retirement benefits and improved working conditions at subsidiaries CityLine, City Airlines, and Discover
• Members authorized strike action in late September 2025, and subsequent negotiations have been sporadic and unsuccessful

Summary

German Pilots' Union Calls Strike at Lufthansa

The German pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has announced a 24-hour strike on February 12 at Lufthansa Group's main German airline and Lufthansa Cargo, escalating a labor dispute centered on pension benefits and working conditions.

Key Details:

• Strike Scope: All flights departing from German airports on February 12 will be affected
• Core Issue: Dispute over retirement benefits and pension arrangements
• Affected Entities: Lufthansa's core German airline operations and Lufthansa Cargo freight division
• Additional Demands: Improved working conditions at subsidiaries including CityLine, City Airlines, and Discover

Background:

Union members voted to authorize strike action in late September 2025, signaling their willingness to escalate pressure on management. While negotiations have resumed since that vote, talks have been intermittent and unsuccessful in reaching agreement. The union is seeking more generous retirement benefits for pilots.

Market Implications:

The work stoppage is expected to cause significant operational disruptions at Lufthansa, Germany's flagship carrier, affecting both passenger and cargo operations. Given the 24-hour duration and coverage of all German airport departures, the strike will likely result in flight cancellations, passenger delays, and potential revenue losses. This labor action adds to ongoing challenges facing European airlines and highlights persistent tensions between management and labor over compensation and benefits in the aviation sector post-pandemic.

The timing and scope suggest pilots are maintaining pressure tactics to force management back to the negotiating table with improved offers.