Lufthansa is hoping to reach a “quick agreement” with the Verdi union to prevent further strikes from crippling its services.
The German carrier has already been severely impacted by two one-day strikes by around 25,000 ground staff this month, causing the cancellation of up to 90 per cent of flights on those days.
Verdi wants a pay increase for its members of 12.5 per cent, or at least an extra €500 per month, but the latest talks with Lufthansa last week failed to reach any agreement.
The two sides are due to hold their next round of negotiations on 13-14 March. But Verdi has asked Lufthansa for an earlier meeting to “reach a speedy collective agreement”.
Although the union said bringing the meeting forward was conditional on the airline submitting a “significantly more valuable offer in advance”.
“After four negotiations and countless conversations, the company knows what is necessary to bring these collective bargaining negotiations to a quick and successful conclusion,” said Verdi negotiator Marvin Reschinsky.
“The ball is now in Lufthansa's court to avoid further labour disputes and to be able to offer passengers reliability again. Verdi is ready for this.”
Lufthansa responded in a written statement: “We have taken note of Verdi's statements and are still interested in a quick agreement.”