Croatia Airlines Lost One Million Kuna Due to Strike Yesterday

Croatia Airlines lost one million kuna yesterday due to the strike of pilots and flight attendants, and if the unions continue to strike, by the end of the day the damage will exceed two million kuna, the company has learned.

– The direct damage yesterday amounted to one million kuna, and considering that more passengers are booked for today’s flights than on Tuesday, the damage could be even greater today if the unions continue to strike – said Davor Janušić, spokesperson for the airline, to Hina.

In addition to direct damage, which largely arises from the rental of replacement aircraft, the company also suffers indirect damage due to the tarnished reputation of the company and a decline in bookings for flights in the upcoming period.

However, union representatives emphasize that they cannot bear responsibility for this.

– If there had been more understanding from the employer, we are sure we could have avoided this damage – said Ivana Lojo, representative of the Cabin Crew Union.

It is currently unknown how long the strike, which started yesterday at six o’clock, will last as talks between the Management and the unions are still ongoing, with the unions demanding the retention of rights from the previous collective agreement.

After yesterday’s failed talks, a new round of negotiations began today around 10:30 and is still ongoing.

– Negotiations are still ongoing and there is still no agreement – Lojo said shortly before 3 PM.

The Croatian Union of Air Traffic Pilots and the Cabin Crew Union refuse to sign the proposed collective agreement under which Croatia Airlines would achieve savings of ten million kuna at the expense of the salaries and material rights of pilots and flight attendants.

Lojo stated that savings of one million kuna have been achieved for other workers gathered in four unions whose representatives signed the collective agreement.

The national airline canceled 24 domestic and international flights yesterday, changed the flight schedule for five flights, and 23 flights were operated with rented aircraft from other companies. Today, 22 flights have been canceled, while 23 flights will be operated with rented aircraft.

Croatia Airlines assures that all passengers will be taken care of as most will be transported to their destinations according to the flight schedule, while others will be transported by partner airlines. Approximately 5,500 passengers are booked for today’s flights, and around 900 passengers, or about 16 percent of all booked passengers, may experience certain disruptions in their planned travel.