Pilots at German flagship carrier Lufthansa have reportedly voted by a margin of 97.6% in favour of industrial action, threatening further disruption during the summer.
Speaking to Reuters, pilot’s union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) board member Marcel Groels said the vote "does not necessarily mean" a strike will be held, but it was a signal to the employer that "constructive steps" need to be taken.
"We are showing we are ready to talk," he added. VC is said to be seeking a 5.5% pay rise this year for its pilots and automatic inflation compensation thereafter.
It also wants a uniform pay structure for all staff across the Lufthansa Group, which includes flagship carrier Lufthansa as well as budget unit Eurowings.
A spokesperson for Lufthansa reportedly said they respected the results of the vote and hoped for a constructive solution at the negotiating table.