KLM strike: Popular airline cancels more than 100 flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as ground staff walk out
Popular airline KLM has cancelled over 100 flights at a major airport today.
On Wednesday (24 September) KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will cancel 119 flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport due to a six-hour strike by ground staff. The walkout, set to run from 06:00 to 12:00 CEST, involves baggage handlers, check-in personnel, and ramp workers.
Organized by unions FNV and CNV, this action follows failed negotiations for a new collective labor agreement (CAO). Travelers should brace for further significant disruptions as the industrial action continues.
The strike stems from a breakdown in talks between KLM and the unions. FNV, the largest Dutch trade union, and CNV, a Christian union federation, rejected KLM’s latest offer of a 2.25% pay rise over two years.
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They argue it fails to keep up with inflation, eroding workers’ purchasing power. Union leaders also claim KLM prioritizes other employee groups, like pilots, over ground staff. “KLM management is pitting groups of employees against each other,” said FNV Aviation Director John van Dorland. “Pilots are getting paid extra at the expense of ground crew.”
This is the third strike in recent weeks, escalating from a two-hour stoppage on September 10 (100 cancellations) and a four-hour action on September 17 (over 100 cancellations). The unions warn of further actions, including an eight-hour strike planned for October 1, if demands aren’t met.
The cancellations primarily affect short-haul European flights, with 70 additional flights rescheduled later in the day. Major hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt are among the impacted destinations. Schiphol Airport advises passengers to check flight statuses via the KLM app, website, or Schiphol’s flight tracker.
KLM expressed regret for the inconvenience, urging passengers to contact them directly. The airline warned that strikes increase costs and reduce revenue, threatening its financial stability. “Striking won’t help; it only makes our challenge bigger,” KLM stated.
If you’re flying with KLM on September 24:
- Check Flight Status: Use KLM’s or Schiphol’s online tools.
- Know Your Rights: EU rules ensure compensation or rebooking.
- Plan Ahead: Arrive early to handle delays.