BERLIN (Reuters) -The VC pilots union is breaking off talks with Germany's Lufthansa over proposed cuts, sources told Reuters on Wednesday, increasing the likelihood of strikes by cockpit crew over the course of this year.

The airline is seeking union approval for cost reductions at Lufthansa's core brand, which has been loss-making. The airline has told employees it needs to make savings in particular in its short- and medium-haul travel offerings, according to a document seen by Reuters.

"We didn't reach an agreement on the turnaround," a source familiar with the talks told Reuters. The end of discussions opens the way to formal pay negotiations, which could pave the way for strikes by the core airline's 4,800 pilots.

Sources familiar with the talks said Lufthansa had proposed to lift the current pilot hiring freeze and take on 250 new part-time cockpit crew by 2028. The union said this would lead to increasd work for pilots and amount to a stealth pay cut.

Lufthansa told Reuters it did not regard the talks as ended and remained open to further discussions.

"We are exploring negotiation possibilities and remain open to talks," the airline said.