Lufthansa’s wage negotiations for cabin crew are entering the next round after the German flagship carrier reached an agreement with ground staff.

The trade union for flight attendants, UFO, refrained from another strike over Easter.

It is demanding 15 per cent more pay for the approximately 18,000 flight attendants at Lufthansa and their 1,000 colleagues at the regional subsidiary Cityline for a contract term of 18 months.

The union also wants an inflation adjustment bonus of 3,000 euros (3,250 dollars) and higher bonuses.

According to the union, negotiations will take place this Thursday at a secret location only for the staff of the parent company, Lufthansa.

The talks for Cityline are to continue separately in the middle of the month.

The company did not want to confirm the talks.

UFO last paralysed flight operations with a strike on March 12.

According to the wage agreement presented last Wednesday, Lufthansa’s approximately 25,000 ground staff were to receive a salary increase averaging 12.5 per cent within two years.

It would also increase a 3,000 euros inflation compensation bonus.

The agreement is still subject to a consultation with Verdi members, who had already voted in favour of an indefinite strike in a ballot.

Friday would also see the start of arbitration for around 25,000 employees of private aviation security companies.

Staff who check passengers, baggage, freight and staff at airports on behalf of Germany’s federal police have already held several waves of strike action. 

(dpa/NAN)