Lufthansa pilots call for strike in pay row

Lufthansa pilots have voted to strike in a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions.

The pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), said more than 90% of its members voted in favor of the industrial action.

Vereinigung Cockpit, which represents more than 5,000 pilots, said it would give the public at least 48 hours notice before any strike.

The union says no walkouts are planned, as yet, for the Easter period.

The pilot’s chief negotiator, Thomas Sturm told journalists: “None of us really wants to strike and we’ve been negotiating very patiently, but our patience has run out.”

Lufthansa, which is under pressure to cut costs, has already agreed pay deals with ground staff and cabin crew.