Lufthansa to Cut 26 000 Jobs?

Up to 26,000 job cuts are possible at the German aviation giant Lufthansa. The news comes as Lufthansa's shareholders prepare to vote on a €9 billion ($10.3 billion) bailout with conditions such as slot losses at key airports attached.

Every airline is struggling due to the current crisis. With the industry expecting any recovery to last until at least 2023, it is clear that not as many employees will be needed in the coming years. As such, many airlines are currently looking to reduce their workforce to levels more manageable over the coming years. However, Lufthansa's 26,000 jobs seem to be one of the higher figures seen so far.

26,000 employees at risk

Lufthansa yesterday revealed that it has too many staff. Indeed, 26,000 positions are at risk as part of a cost-cutting measure. However, as some jobs are part-time, the 26,000 jobs equate to 22,000 full-time positions.

According to its Q1 financial report, the Lufthansa Group had 136,966 employees as of March 31st. As such, around 19% of the entire Lufthansa Group workforce is affected by the latest announcement.

Of course, this 136,966 employees relates to the group as a whole, meaning employees from SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines are also included. Some of these airlines have separately announced proposed job cuts. For example, Brussels Airlines currently believes it will cut its workforce by 25%.

Michael Niggemann, Labor Director of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, commented on the situation, saying:

"Without a significant reduction in personnel costs during the crisis, we will miss the opportunity of a better restart from the crisis and risk that the Lufthansa Group will emerge from the crisis significantly weakened.

<...