But an end to the 36-hour warning strike is in sight at 12:00 noon. For now, because the dispute is still simmering and the workforce is already planning another works meeting for Thursday, April 4th, which might lead to new absences.
Austrian Airlines (AUA) canceled a total of 400 flights on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Vienna Airport is particularly affected, but also some federal state airports. According to the AUA, 50,000 passengers do not reach their destination as planned.
No better offer from the company
The company has so far shown no desire to meet the union’s demand for a better offer in the current wage negotiations. On the contrary: AUA boss Annette Mann suggested that the Lufthansa Group, to which Austrian belongs, might serve Vienna with cheaper airlines in the future if the workforce does not scale back their demands.
The union had hoped for an offer to talk, but now they are “preparing for a longer dispute,” said vida boss Roman Hebenstreit to the APA on Thursday. Austrian Airlines has been part of the German Lufthansa group since 2008. The union is calling for the wage level of the AUA workforce to be adjusted to that of the Lufthansa Group.
The KV dispute has been dragging on for weeks now; 17 rounds of negotiations have taken place so far without any results. There is currently no date for further negotiations. Hundreds of flights have been canceled since negotiations began.
