Two unions planning KLM worker strikes, rejecting airline's deal with other labor groups

Labor unions FNV and CNV are still preparing for strikes among KLM ground staff, despite the collective bargaining agreement that the Dutch airline finalized with three other unions. They consider the new agreement insufficient and are angry that KLM reached a deal without them. The FNV and CNV have refused to re-join the negotiating table because KLM had not met their minimum demands.

FNV official John van Dorland called it a “direct declaration of war” by KLM and the unions behind the framework agreement, VKP, De Unie, and NVLT. “KLM is deliberately choosing a path of division and trying to sideline us as the largest union,” he said.

CNV official Souleiman Amallah described the agreement as a “concession deal” and criticized the wage increase of 2.25 percent through the end of 2026. The union argues that staff will lose purchasing power, contrary to KLM’s position. “We are now preparing, together with FNV, actions in the form of short-term work stoppages,” he said. CNV also indicated that a court is unlikely to block the planned work stoppages. Extensive security consultations have been held with KLM and Schiphol.

VKP and NVLT, the unions representing air technicians, noted in their explanation of the collective bargaining agreement that KLM is struggling financially. Rising costs are squeezing profit margins and forcing KLM to make budget cuts. Given the financial situation, the unions describe the negotiation outcome as a “balanced result” or the “maximum achievable.”

De Unie chairman Reinier Castelein called it “completely inappropriate” to label the negotiation agreement as a declaration of war. “FNV and CNV have been continuously holding informal talks with KLM. They have been invited to everything. The deal includes the ‘preservation of purchasing power’ demanded by all the unions and even specific FNV requests,” he said. “Stop this irresponsible action agenda. Come on board and let KLM staff work together on the future again.”

CNV and FNV are also displeased with what they consider unequal treatment of staff. They take issue with earlier bonuses paid to management and compensation that pilots receive, but ground staff do not. They also feel that the staff at Schiphol are under too much pressure during their work.

Strikes were first discussed by the unions in June after negotiations between the parties came to a standstill. The unions announced a month later that they would be delaying the strikes until after the summer vacation period after two attempts to strike were blocked by the court.

KLM had submitted a new offer to the trade unions in June after the first attempt at a strike had been blocked. The airline recently reached an agreement with the pilots of the VNV union, which will likely lead to an increase in flights.