The UFO-called strike by around 20,000 Lufthansa cabin crew began at midnight today and runs until 22:00, affecting hundreds of flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and other German airports. The action follows yesterday's announcement amid ongoing tariff disputes with Lufthansa.
As announced on April 8, Union UFO called approximately 20,000 flight attendants at Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cityline to strike from 00:01 to 22:00 today. The walkout impacts departures from Frankfurt and Munich, as well as Cityline flights from Hamburg, Bremen, Stuttgart, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, and other bases.
Lufthansa has canceled hundreds of flights and issued a reduced schedule. To lessen the blow, the airline is using extra flights from other group carriers and larger aircraft where possible. HR director Michael Niggemann described the strike as 'irresponsible,' noting its effect on Easter return travelers.
This marks the third major strike at Lufthansa this year, after two pilot actions in March by Vereinigung Cockpit (with cancellation rates disputed between 50-80%). The current dispute centers on framework tariff agreements and a social tariff for Cityline, whose operations end next year.
A UFO spokesperson confirmed the strike is underway, following a ballot with strong support for industrial action.
