Skift Business Traveler: Strikes Cripple Lufthansa This Week
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What to Know Now
For those flying on Lufthansa this week, it may be worth double checking your itineraries. Labor strikes have crippled the German carrier for the second time this year, canceling thousands of flights and stranding over 100,000 passengers in the process.
At the center of the work stoppage lies an unresolved contract between the airline and its cabin crew. The airline wants to cut costs to compete with low cost carriers; flight attendants justifiably don't want to see a reduction to their benefits.
Flights on Monday have already been scratched, and unless a contract appears out of nowhere, the cabin crews plan to strike through November 13th. In the meantime, travelers may want to stick with other carriers.
Social Quote of the Day
Frankfurt airport- seems like there is not much going on today :-O #Lufthansa #strike
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