Lufthansa, cabin crew union settle dispute in arbitration

BERLIN – A union representing Lufthansa’s cabin crew says arbitration proceedings in a long and bitter labour dispute with the German airline have reached a successful conclusion.

The UFO union staged multiple strikes to press its demands, including transition payments for its 19,000 members if they retire early, before both sides agreed in January to take their dispute to arbitration.

The contract dispute comes as Lufthansa is trying to cut costs amid rising competition from Gulf state airlines and European budget carriers.

UFO said Thursday there is now “a comprehensive arbitration result that has been accepted by both sides.”

Lufthansa confirmed that there are “comprehensive negotiation results” and said that those will be formally accepted on Tuesday after final details are agreed. The union said specifics won’t be released before then.