Lufthansa has approved a pay increase of 8.7
percent for 5,400 pilots, per the recommendation of a mediator in its ongoing
dispute with the pilots' union. Lufthansa estimates the move will increase
costs by €85 million per year, and it plans to operate 40 aircraft using employees
outside that agreement to offset the costs. The dispute has resulted in several
strikes in the past few years, including one that lasted six
days in November, forcing Lufthansa to cancel thousands of flights. Union
spokesman Markus Wahl called the mediator's proposal acceptable, and union
members will vote by the end of March whether to accept it.