The trade union FNV announced the action, which it said reflected growing frustration among workers in charge of jobs such as baggage handling, towing aircraft, and assisting passengers.

KLM has promised to challenge the strike in court, saying it would cripple operations and further weaken the company’s already precarious financial position. Without ground crews, the union notes, flights cannot launch.



Union Calls for Inflation Adjustment
FNV has vowed to resume negotiations only if KLM provides raises at or above the level of inflation. “We want to keep the purchasing power,” said FNV’s John van Dorland. “KLM generously rewards her pilots—why not us who ensure they take off safely?”

The union also calls for higher wages for those in physically demanding positions.

Sister union CNV has also attacked the gap, pointing out that in March pilots saw €29 million in profits, while managers' bonuses were up 32% plus. Ground crew wages, on the other hand, are frozen.

With talks at an impasse, flights of KLM are likely to be canceled or delayed this weekend if the strike materializes.



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