Good News on Lufthansa, British Airways Strikes

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

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Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

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Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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It’s been the season of strikes in Europe this spring, but there may finally be some positive energy brewing between airlines and their unions.

For starters, Lufthansa pilots have called off a planned four-day strike that was set to begin next week. According to BusinessWeek, “pilots agreed to cancel the walkout over pay and job security, accepting the airline’s precondition for arbitration.” The two sides will now move on to mediation talks in the hopes of reaching an agreement and avoiding further work stoppages.

In the U.K., the ongoing battle between British Airways and Unite, its cabin crew union, appears to have taken a positive turn at last. The New York Times reports that “the union representing British Airways’ 13,500 flight attendants said that talks with airline’s management this week had made ‘serious progress’ toward resolving differences over wage cuts and changes to in-flight staffing, and put off plans for further strikes after two costly walkouts last month.”

Here’s hoping these labor issues get ironed out before the busy summer season kicks off.

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