KLM Ground Staff Strike at Schiphol Airport Over Pay Dispute

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is gearing up for possible flight disruptions as KLM ground staff plan to strike.

The planned walkout is set for September 10, 2025, after two significant unions representing the ground staff rejected a freshly signed collective labor agreement (CLA) with KLM. This situation reflects escalating tensions in a dispute that has splintered labor representation at the Dutch airline and highlighted challenges in maintaining labor stability amid ongoing financial struggles.

KLM ground staff unions FNV and CNV have announced a two-hour strike on September 10, followed by a four-hour strike the following week. While flight operations are likely to continue, travelers should be ready for delays and potential disruptions at one of Europe’s busiest airports.

The conflict centers around a new three-year CLA that KLM reached with three other unions—NVLT, VKP, and De Unie—representing the majority of ground personnel. This agreement includes a 2.25% wage increase through mid-2026, a one-time €750 bonus, improvements to the early retirement scheme, and adjusted profit-sharing models.

KLM has characterized the agreement as a fair compromise given its current financial pressures, emphasizing the rising operational costs and narrowing profit margins.

“In light of KLM’s financial realities, we’ve made significant steps toward remuneration, career advancement, and flexibility. This is positive for our colleagues, ensuring their purchasing power remains intact while supporting our company’s future,” stated KLM HR Director Miriam Kartman.

Despite this, FNV and CNV, which collectively represent thousands of ground workers, labeled the agreement as insufficient. They contend that the proposed wage increase fails to safeguard workers against inflation and have expressed concerns about the prevalence of temporary contracts and insufficient acknowledgment of the demands associated with their roles.

Discussions about potential industrial actions began in June 2025 after breakdowns in negotiations with KLM. Earlier attempts to strike were either postponed or hindered legally. Meanwhile, KLM has reached separate agreements with pilots and other ground staff unions, intensifying frustrations within FNV and CNV.

How do you think this situation will affect air travel in the region?