Travellers breathing a sigh of relief after German union Verdi and Lufthansa’s low-cost subsidiary Eurowings reached a wage agreement for 1,800 flight attendants on 20 November. The deal provides a 5.4 % salary increase in two stages plus unspecified bonuses, ending the threat of strikes during the busy Christmas season.
Eurowings cabin crew had voted for industrial action earlier this month, mirroring disputes that grounded parts of Lufthansa’s mainline operations in 2024. Germany’s aviation sector still faces staffing shortages and high inflation, prompting aggressive wage demands. By settling early, both sides protect roughly 2,000 daily domestic and European flights that underpin corporate travel itineraries.
![Pay deal at Eurowings averts winter travel disruptions in Germany]()
For global-mobility managers the accord reduces the likelihood of last-minute rerouting or costly overnight stays for staff shuttling between German hubs and regional offices. Eurowings, which carries 20 million passengers a year, is a key player on secondary routes underserved by rail.
Under the agreement, entry-level attendants receive an immediate €150 monthly raise, while senior crew get a larger percentage bump in 2026. Verdi also secured improved rostering rules to limit consecutive late shifts. The airline expects only a “low double-digit million-euro” cost impact, which analysts say is manageable given strong demand.
The settlement may set a benchmark for upcoming talks with security staff at major airports. Mobility planners should nonetheless monitor broader public-sector bargaining rounds scheduled for January 2026.
Eurowings cabin crew had voted for industrial action earlier this month, mirroring disputes that grounded parts of Lufthansa’s mainline operations in 2024. Germany’s aviation sector still faces staffing shortages and high inflation, prompting aggressive wage demands. By settling early, both sides protect roughly 2,000 daily domestic and European flights that underpin corporate travel itineraries.
For global-mobility managers the accord reduces the likelihood of last-minute rerouting or costly overnight stays for staff shuttling between German hubs and regional offices. Eurowings, which carries 20 million passengers a year, is a key player on secondary routes underserved by rail.
Under the agreement, entry-level attendants receive an immediate €150 monthly raise, while senior crew get a larger percentage bump in 2026. Verdi also secured improved rostering rules to limit consecutive late shifts. The airline expects only a “low double-digit million-euro” cost impact, which analysts say is manageable given strong demand.
The settlement may set a benchmark for upcoming talks with security staff at major airports. Mobility planners should nonetheless monitor broader public-sector bargaining rounds scheduled for January 2026.
