KLM and trade unions reach collective labor agreement for ground staff

 

KLM has reached a collective labor agreement (CLA) with the trade unions CNV, De Unie, FNV, NVLT, and VKP for ground staff. The CLA will be valid for two years, retroactively from March 1, 2025, to February 28th, 2027. Employees will receive several benefits, including 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. In addition, agreements have been made on flexibility and productivity. This agreement serves the interests of both employees and KLM. The trade unions will now present the agreement to their members, so that the new CLA can be implemented this year if approved by the unions. 

Widespread support for the agreement 
In early September, a negotiation result had already been reached with NVLT, VKP, and De Unie. In October, talks with FNV and CNV resumed under the guidance of an external intermediary. This led to additions to the negotiation result, which all five unions now support. KLM sees this as an important step in providing clarity and perspective for all ground staff and for KLM as a company. 

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. Furthermore, from January 1, 2026, shift allowance will be included in the basis for the year-end bonus. 

Miriam Kartman, KLM’s Chief HR Officer: “We are pleased that we have reached a CLA with all five trade unions. In KLM’s current financial reality, we have come together to make 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.” 

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 deployment of flexible workers.