Travellers in Germany are preparing for further disruption, as pilots from Lufthansa prepare for a second strike next month.

Pilots at the airline – the largest in Germany – will walk out for four days from April 13th in a dispute over pay and job security.

The decision follows a strike at the German flag-carrier in February. However, pilots returned to work after just one day, following a decision by unions at airline officials to resume negotiations.

Lufthansa – in line with the majority of European airlines – has been seeking to reduce costs amid falling demand and spiralling financial losses. British Airways has also been rocked by industrial action recently, while cabin crew at Air France are also planning to strike later this month.

The German airline said in a statement that its latest offer was “compatible with the company’s situation and economic conditions”.

Pilots have been told they must accept a pay freeze, lasting up to two years.

Job Security

However, while employees have been accommodating to the suggestion, concerns over job security linger. Lufthansa pilots argue the airline is planning to outsource jobs to newly acquired airlines, undermining their position.

The German airline has recently purchased BMI in the UK, along with Austria Airlines in Europe.

Pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit, said in a statement: “We can only agree to a pay freeze or even reducing salaries if Lufthansa sticks to an already-agreed deal on safeguarding jobs.”

Pilots at the airline will be joined by colleagues at low-cost affiliate Germanwings and Lufthansa Cargo.