Concern Grows Over Possible Summer Labor Strikes at Eurowings, Germanwings
Eurowings and Germanwings flight crew are set to vote on whether or not to take industrial action in the coming weeks. Reuters is reporting that the union representing flight crews at the two airlines would walk off the job and strike in July if their members vote in favor of industrial action. With summer travel in full swing during July, any industrial action taken by flight crew could potentially lead to major disruptions throughout Europe and even at airports in the US.
The Independent Flight Attendants Union (UFO) announced this past week that union members are considering industrial action. UFO represents two Lufthansa-owned airlines, Eurowings and Germanwings. Both airlines operate as low-cost carriers independent of the core Lufthansa brand.
The decision to consider industrial action comes amidst financial troubles at Lufthansa Group. In addition to financial troubles, Eurowings and Germanwings flight crew are demanding higher wages and changes to employee benefits.
Negotiations between Lufthansa and UFO have reportedly collapsed, with scheduled meetings between the two groups canceled. Ultimately, it is reported that Lufthansa and UFO's inability to reach an agreement sparked the union's decision to threaten industrial action.
With talks called off and union members set to cast their vote on whether or not to walk off the job, industrial action appears inevitable at the moment.
If UFO members vote to take industrial action, hundreds of flights across Europe and around a dozen flights to North America could be impacted during peak summer travel.
Both Eurowings and Germanwings cater to leisure and holiday travelers, offering low fares and vacation packages. Eurowings not only serves destinations throughout Europe, but also a handful of destinations through Africa, the Middle East and North America. Industrial action would potentially wreak havoc on summer travel plans of thousands of travelers across the globe.
While Germanwings operates a network consisting entirely of European destinations, Eurowings serves the following cities in the United States and Mexico:
- Fort Meyers, FL (RSW)
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- Miami, FL (MIA)
- Newark, NJ (EWR)
- New York, NY (JFK)
- Cancun, MX (CUN)
For now, both Eurowings and Germanwings are operating normally as UFO voting continues. Nonetheless, there are steps passengers can take to prevent or alleviate the impact of a crew strike.
For travelers that have already booked flights or vacation packages with either airline, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the fare or package purchased. Some travelers may be eligible to receive a full or partial refund should they wish to cancel their trip.
Additionally, select credit cards offer travel coverage in the event of industrial action. Be sure to check out TPG's guide to credit cards offering travel coverage and protection to find the card that offers the best coverage for your travels.
TPG will continue to monitor the labor dispute between Eurowings, Germanwings, and UFO members. We will provide any updates as they become available.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.