As a condition, the court states that the unions ensure minimal occupation of staff, so that the flights of other airlines can continue during the strike. This includes devices from the American Delta and Air France.
FNV spokesperson Jaap de Bie says that the union wants to continue the strike next Wednesday. “We are happy that the judge has listened to the trade unions.”
He hopes that, with the planned strike, the management of KLM will still cross the bridge. “We hope that KLM now realizes that they have to come to a collective agreement.”
KLM wanted the action to be banned by the judge last week because, unlike the last strike, the unions did not immediately promise that strikers would still handle Delta planes. They still did this at the previous strike.
Better salary
The ground staff of KLM already cease a few Wednesdays for a better salary, and more equality within the company. The proposed CAO was rejected by trade unions FNV and CNV. They believe that the wage increases do not fully compensate for inflation and demand better conditions for staff who do heavy physical work. They also argue for less flexibility and more fixed gratings.
Three other unions – the Union, NVLT and VKP – did already agree with the bid. According to the airline, major steps have been made towards the unions.
The strikes would have already cost society 30 million euros and with a new strike 10 million would be added.
Air France stops drawers and unloading luggage
Earlier this morning it was announced that Air France and Delta Air Lines are stopping ground handling by KLM at Schiphol Airport, such as loading and unloading luggage.
According to KLM, Air France and Delta explicitly stated that the strikes were an important factor in that decision. The disruptions would have caused significant damage, both financially and for the satisfaction of their passengers.
FNV spokesperson Jaap de Bie calls the relationship between the strikes and the withdrawal of Delta a ‘bizarre suggestion’. “It is absolute nonsense. These kinds of decisions are not made within three weeks. The cost considerations have been on the table for much longer.”