Lufthansa has announced job cuts and the outsourcing of ground operations, putting upwards of 4,000 jobs on the line. The ETF stands in solidarity with ver.di and the employees at Lufthansa as they face job losses and an uncertain future.
Lufthansa’s move to cut jobs and outsource operations underscores the need for a comprehensive European aviation strategy that safeguards affordable and sustainable connectivity, fair competition, and quality jobs. European aviation policy, or rather the lack of a coherent plan for the future of the sector, is leading to an imbalance in the global competitive conditions.
To remain competitive and resilient in the global aviation market, Europe’s hubs and carriers must be protected from the negative financial impacts of unilateral environmental obligations, overflight restrictions, and political sanctions. The same set of rules and operating costs that apply to European carriers must be imposed on third-country carriers operating to and from Europe.
We urge European policymakers to prioritise European aviation by introducing rules and support that level the global playing field.
In addition to the direct unemployment for those affected, the proposed job cuts will undoubtedly lead to work intensification and increased strain and stress for the remaining staff. Fewer people will be expected to do more as the cuts coincide with expected market growth and as Lufthansa plans to acquire hundreds of new aircraft.
Drastic job cuts to “significantly increase profitability”, as Lufthansa put it, are not the way to ensure operational stability and social resilience. Protection for ground staff and against staff reductions is needed.
The ETF fully supports ver.di’s plan to bring the issue of for-profit job cuts and job security to the negotiating table as the next round of collective bargaining begins at the turn of the year.
The future of aviation must be built on secure, quality jobs.
For more information, please visit ver.di.
