Pilots for Germany's national airline, Lufthansa, have commenced a strike that began at midnight and will last for 24 hours. This action affects all flights leaving from German airports, highlighting the significant impact of the labor dispute on air travel. The strike is a result of unsuccessful negotiations between the airline and the pilots' union, VC. Demands from the pilots include improved retirement benefits and working conditions within Lufthansa’s subsidiaries, indicating ongoing dissatisfaction with their employment terms.

The union's chairman, Andreas Pinheiro, expressed disappointment that a strike was necessary, especially since the airline had several months to address the pilots' requests. The readiness to strike had been communicated by union members back in September, suggesting that the situation had been brewing for some time. In addition to the pilots, the cabin crew's union, Ufo, is also participating in the labor action, which amplifies the potential disruptions during the strike.

Lufthansa, one of the world's largest airlines, announced significant layoffs in September, cutting 4,000 jobs, which adds a layer of urgency and complexity to the ongoing labor negotiations. The strike not only highlights the tensions within the airline regarding labor practices but also underscores broader issues faced in the aviation industry, particularly concerning employee welfare and job security in the wake of pandemic-related difficulties.