FNV union declines to resume collective labor agreement talks with KLM

The FNV union representing KLM’s ground staff has declined the airline’s invitation to resume collective labor agreement negotiations on Wednesday. FNV official John van Dorland said the union remains “in strike mode” and will only return to talks once clear guidelines for responsible strike actions are established.

A court in Haarlem recently blocked a planned 24-hour strike set for Saturday by the ground personnel, citing safety concerns at Schiphol Airport. Despite the setback, the union insists its campaign is far from over. Van Dorland revealed that safety consultations with KLM are ongoing behind the scenes, and promised a new strike announcement once those talks conclude.

The potential for renewed strikes threatens disruption at Schiphol during the busy summer travel season. School vacations begin next week in parts of the Netherlands, traditionally driving increased passenger traffic as many take holidays by air.

KLM made a concession on Friday by offering to drop its demand for a pay freeze for staff. However, Van Dorland said this is insufficient for the union to return to negotiations. “There is nothing concrete, and we have other demands that must also see progress,” he said. The union seeks both protection of purchasing power and a permanent arrangement allowing workers in physically demanding jobs to retire earlier.

The banned strike had been planned for Saturday. The FNV and CNV unions announced the action on Tuesday to reinforce their demands. KLM responded by filing a lawsuit, arguing the strike would cause unacceptable disruption. The Haarlem court ruled that the strike, as planned, posed excessive safety risks at Schiphol.