The union Vereiningung Cockpit (VC) has extended its strike action at Lufthansa's Discover for a third day, now including cargo flights operated by Lufthansa Cityline. The strike, announced in Frankfurt on Thursday, will last from 6:00 PM to midnight. The pilots are showing solidarity with their fellow aviators at Lufthansa.
Three Airbus A321 cargo planes are currently affected by this strike, with eight scheduled rotations during the strike period. However, Lufthansa may utilize management pilots as replacements, leaving the fate of these flights uncertain.
The ongoing strike at Discover has resulted in sporadic flight cancellations for the third day. Lufthansa has canceled a long-haul flight and some European connections, while three short-haul flights have been handled by partner airlines.
Strategic Use of Strike Tactics
Unions UFO and VC within the Lufthansa group are leveraging this four-day strike to demand separate collective bargaining arrangements. This move follows a deal struck between management and rival union Verdi. UFO and VC argue that Verdi represents only a portion of Lufthansa's pilots and flight attendants.
Discover Airlines, established in 2021 and operating 27 aircraft, offers holiday destinations across Europe and beyond, employing approximately 1,900 staff members. The latest industrial action by VC has grounded three Airbus A321 cargo planes, leaving the scheduled rotations uncertain due to potential management pilots as replacements.
The expanded work stoppage at Discover is causing disruptions, leading to cancellations of flights, including a long-haul and some European connections.
