KLM and unions reach CLA agreement for ground staff
KLM has reached an agreement with the trade unions CNV, De Unie, FNV, NVLT, and VKP for a new collective labour agreement (CLA) for ground staff. This follows the positive outcome of union member consultations. The CLA will be valid for two years, retroactively from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2027. Employees will receive a 3.25% salary increase, a one-time net payment, an improved profit-sharing scheme, and a permanent arrangement allowing older employees to work fewer hours or retire earlier. Agreements have also been made on flexibility and productivity.
KLM considers this an important step in providing clarity and perspective for all ground staff and KLM. Miriam Kartman, HR Director KLM: “After a period of discussion, we have now reached a broadly supported agreement with all five unions. We are pleased with this result. We have made solid agreements on remuneration, career development, productivity, and flexibility. This is good news for our colleagues, who will maintain their purchasing power, and for the company as a whole. It provides stability for the coming years.”
Duration and salary arrangements
The CLA includes a structural salary increase of 1% as of December 1, 2025, followed by a further 1.25% from July 1, 2026, and 1% from January 1, 2027. In addition, employees will receive a one-time net payment of €500 in December 2025 and €250 net in January 2026 (based on a full-time employment contract). In total, the structural salary increase amounts to 3.25% over the term of the CLA. The shift allowance will also be included in the basis for the year-end bonus, starting January 1, 2026.
Other agreements
The 80-90-100 scheme, which allows employees of higher age to work 80% of their hours for 90% of their salary while retaining 100% pension accrual, will be made permanent and extended to shift workers. The Early Retirement Scheme (RVU) will also become permanent for physically demanding occupations from 2026, in line with the national agreement. Furthermore, the profit-sharing scheme will be aligned with that of other staff groups, an addendum for technicians will be introduced, and the social plan will be modernized. Finally, agreements have been made regarding productivity and the development of flexible workers.