It could take days to recover from ground crew strike, KLM warns

The impact of the KLM ground crew strike could be felt in the airline’s operations for days to come. KLM said it was preparing the “logistical puzzle” of getting everything back on schedule after the strike. “That will take some time, and the aftermath could last several days.”

KLM’s ground staff will strike for two hours on Wednesday morning. The ground crew includes employees who load and unload baggage, assist passengers, and tow planes. KLM has canceled over 100 flights, affecting 27,000 passengers. Schiphol Airport is also warning travelers to expect delayed and canceled flights.

“First and foremost, we are working hard to rebook all passenger so they arrive at their destination as quickly as possible,” KLM said on Tuesday. “This also involves the availability of our colleagues who work on the flights and, for example, the aircraft themselves.”

KLM reached a collective agreement for the ground crew workers with three trade unions last week, but FNV and CNV rejected the offer and announced the strike. According to the unions, KLM has not addressed their minimum requirements, including protecting the purchasing power of the 14,000 ground crew workers. On Tuesday, the trade unions stressed that striking is a last resort and they are not doing it lightly.

CNV pointed out that KLM has known for months what the unions’ minimum demands are. “If you deliberately ignore them, you shouldn’t be surprised if this happens,” a CNV spokesperson said. The union pointed out that the impact of this work stoppage will be significant, but not nearly as drastic as the two 24-hour strikes they previously wanted to organize. The court blocked those strikes.

“Of course travelers will be affected; that’s inherent to strikes,” said John van Dorland of FNV. If KLM agrees to the minimum demands, FNV and CNV will return to the negotiating table, Van Dorland said.

The FNV official finds it difficult to estimate how many ground crew members will participate in the strike on Wednesday. “We know there’s sufficient willingness to take action among Schiphol staff.” He said that people who are not even on duty are also coming to the protest location at Schiphol. “It’s going to be quite massive. People are really angry.”

In addition to the two-hour strike on Wednesday, the unions have called for a four-hour work stoppage next Wednesday. Prior discussions were held with KLM and Schiphol to discuss the strikes, and agreements were made about how they can be carried out safely.