PLL LOT which had PLN 130m of net loss in the first half of the year, may faces a strike of its pilots.
“We feel deceived. Since 1993, our wages have not been raised substantially. Our colleagues from Western Europe earn several times more”, one of the pilots said.
The trade union of pilots demands 30 percent raises which means PLN 15m of additional costs to the company annually. Centralwings low-cost carrier, LOT’s subsidiary which is in an even worse financial situation, offers wages which are 15-20 percent higher than at LOT. However, wages of pilots working at another of LOT’s subsidiaries, Eurolot offering routes in Poland, earn 15-20 percent less.
Due to tough financial situation, LOT has launched a repair program, including job cuts. There are 3,900 employees at the company, including 500 pilots.
(PLN 1 = EUR 0.305)