KLM and the VNV pilots’ union have agreed on a new collective labor agreement. The pilots receive a four percent salary, the union reports. A controversial commuter scheme for pilots living abroad, with which they could fly to and from Schiphol for free, is disappearing.
A month ago, trade unions and KLM reached an agreement for a wage increase for ground staff. According to the Association of Dutch Traffic Pilots (VNV), the new collective labor agreement for pilots takes into account the loss of purchasing power due to high inflation.
“These agreements keep pace with KLM ground staff and give substance to KLM’s strong recovery after years of severe wage moderation and the current high inflation,” said VNV chairman Willem Schmid. “KLM now has the space for that again.”
Back to normal
Schmid continues: “With this agreement, KLM can work together with its pilots on further recovery and a healthy future. This will bring us back to normal.” The pilots and all other KLM staff receive a one-time bonus, but it has been agreed that this will only be transferred if all government bonds have been repaid.
No more flying to work for free
Pilots living abroad can no longer fly to and from Schiphol for free. That home-work arrangement was controversial and was seen as tax avoidance by a government regulator, among others. According to VNV, the regulation is lawful and customary in aviation, but says that this amendment will remove the concerns that have arisen about this.
The new collective labor agreement will run until 1 March 2023 and must still be approved by the members.