Lufthansa employees in Germany are planning to strike as a form of protest against the company's decision to cut jobs and to push for better retirement conditions. The strike could lead to significant disruptions in air travel, with numerous flights scheduled to be canceled from major German airports including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Union representatives are urging the company to engage in negotiations to find a resolution, as they aim to avoid an escalation of tensions.

The company has labeled the strike as an excessive measure, pointing to a financial report indicating a decline in profits and lower profitability compared to other leading European airlines. In response, Lufthansa is looking to cut costs significantly, which includes the elimination of approximately 4,000 jobs or around 4% of its workforce. This decision has garnered backlash from employees who fear job losses and diminished benefits, contributing to the call for strike action.

Additionally, travelers in Italy are also warned to expect potential disruptions due to nationwide strikes affecting both air and rail services. These planned strikes highlight broader labor unrest across Europe, driven by various workers' needs for better working conditions and stability in their employment amidst challenging economic climates. Both the airline and rail sectors are facing pressure to address these labor demands to prevent discontent from escalating further.