Trade union FNV preparing for protests with KLM staff after stalemate in negotiations

The FNV is threatening to take action with the ground staff of KLM because the negotiations about a new collective bargaining agreement have reached a stalemate. The trade union has given the airline until noon on June 13 to come up with a good collective bargaining agreement in order to prevent any action from being taken.

KLM ground staff includes employees who handle the bags, tow the aircraft, or speak to passengers in the departure halls. These employees are sick of the difficult negotiations, said FNV board member John van Dorland. “Without them, there are no flights, yet KLM seems to be deaf towards their justified demands. It is now time to send a clear message.”

FNV is demanding salary increases for all ground staff, while KLM intends to freeze the salaries. The union also wants commitments from KLM regarding the heavy work scheme, a scheme that allows employees with heavy jobs to retire earlier.

KLM is disappointed about FNV’s decision to step away from the collective bargaining agreement discussions. “We think a constructive dialogue with all the trade unions is important and will continue to push for a good collective bargaining agreement that is fair to the work our colleagues put in and suits the financial situation that the KLM finds itself in,” a spokesperson said. “We are open to further talks.”

CNV, a different trade union, is also preparing for action and to set an ultimatum very soon. “Our members are enraged by this. We are having trouble keeping people calm,” CNV negotiator Souleiman Ramallah said.

According to the CNV, this collective bargaining agreement will apply to around 14,000 of the total 30,000 KLM staff members.