KLM Secures Deal With Ground Staff Unions

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has successfully negotiated a new collective labour agreement (CLA) with the FNV and CNV unions, which represent the majority of the airline’s ground staff. The agreement was reached following a period that included industrial action by employees.

### Terms of the New Agreement

The new CLA is a 14-month deal, effective from 1 March 2024 to 31 May 2025. A key component of the agreement is a significant wage increase for the ground personnel.

The deal includes two separate pay increases of 3 per cent, scheduled for 1 September 2024 and 1 March 2025. In addition to these percentage-based raises, employees will receive a fixed increase of €50 per month starting on 1 September 2024. The total pay rise over the agreement’s term will range from 7.35 per cent to 9 per cent.

Furthermore, employees earning up to two-and-a-half times the average salary will receive a one-off payment of €500 in July. The agreement also incorporates automatic price compensation, enhancements to the profit-sharing scheme, a new generation pact scheme, and improved deployment for temporary workers.

### Union Endorsement and Airline Response

The proposal was strongly endorsed by union members, with over 90 per cent voting in favour of the new terms. The FNV and CNV unions together represent 80 per cent of KLM’s 15,000 ground staff.

Maarten Stienen, KLM’s chief operating officer and managing director, commented on the agreement, stating, “This is an important agreement, which does justice to the efforts of our colleagues on the ground. It gives them the appreciation they deserve and offers them prospects.” He added that the agreement provides stability and peace of mind within the company.

Key Points
* The new collective labour agreement (CLA) has a term of 14 months.
* The agreement runs from 1 March 2024 to 31 May 2025.
* The deal includes two pay increases of 3 per cent each, effective 1 September 2024 and 1 March 2025.
* An additional fixed increase of €50 per month will be applied on 1 September 2024.
* A one-off payment of €500 will be made in July to employees earning up to two-and-a-half times the average salary.
* The total pay rise over the term of the agreement ranges from 7.35 per cent to 9 per cent.
* KLM has approximately 15,000 ground staff.
* The FNV and CNV unions represent 80 per cent of KLM’s ground staff.
* Over 90 per cent of union members voted in favour of the new agreement.

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