KLM Reaches Negotiated Agreement for Ground Staff with Trade Unions
KLM has reached a negotiated agreement for the collective labor agreement (CLA) for ground staff with the unions NVLT, VKP, and De Unie. Employees will receive, among other things, a 2.25% wage increase, a one-time payment, an improved profit-sharing scheme, and an attractive arrangement for early retirement. The three unions represent more than half of the organized ground staff. KLM has invited FNV and CNV to join the agreement.
The provisional agreement runs until December 31, 2026. The arrangements include an unconditional wage increase for all ground staff of 1% as of October 1, 2025, and a further 1.25% as of July 1, 2026. In addition, there will be a one-time payment of €750 based on a full-time contract.
The 80-90-100 scheme, in which older employees work 80% of their hours for 90% of their salary while retaining 100% pension accrual, will become a permanent arrangement and its duration will be extended for shift workers. The Early Retirement Scheme (RVU) will become permanent from 2026 onwards for heavy professions, in line with the national agreement on this issue. The profit-sharing scheme will be brought in line with that of all other employees. There is an addendum for technicians, and the social plan has been modernized. Agreements have also been made regarding productivity and the use of flexible workers.
“We are very pleased to have reached this negotiated agreement with NVLT, VKP, and De Unie,” said Miriam Kartman, KLM HR Director. “Within KLM’s current financial reality, we have come together to make strong arrangements regarding remuneration, career development, and flexibility. This is good news for our colleagues, who will maintain their purchasing power, and for our entire company. I invite FNV and CNV to join us in this agreement.”
The three unions will present the agreement to their members for approval in the coming period.