Pilot union criticises Lufthansa leadership over cost of TAP stake bid
The Vereinigung Cockpit says Lufthansa's bid for a 44.9 percent stake in TAP Air Portugal conflicts with the cost-cutting it has demanded from staff. The union is seeking closer ties with pilot groups across the Lufthansa Group.
The German pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit has criticised the Lufthansa Group's planned stake in TAP Air Portugal, arguing that the price offered sits at odds with the savings the company says it needs from its workforce.
According to the union, Lufthansa secured a 44.9 percent share in the bidding process and offered a price roughly 21 percent higher than the next-highest bidder. The Portuguese government is to retain the majority holding.
The union said the approach conflicts with the management's stated austerity. Cuts imposed on employees have been justified by profitability problems, it said, while the group is prepared to spend large sums on acquisitions.
Vice president Oliver Löwe called for an explanation of what he described as differing financial standards.
The union also said it will step up cooperation with the Portuguese pilots' association SPAC and with other European pilot representatives inside the Lufthansa Group. The aim, it said, is stronger cross-border representation in collective bargaining and on working conditions.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comPilotengewerkschaft kritisiert Lufthansa-Führung wegen hoher Ausgaben für Tap-Einstieg