Court blocks KLM ground staff strike on June 28th citing safety concerns

The District Court of North Holland has prohibited the planned 24-hour strike by KLM ground staff scheduled for Saturday, 28 June. The court sided with KLM and Schiphol Airport, which argued that the strike posed unacceptable safety risks.

Citing the recent NATO summit, the court concluded that there would be insufficient parking for arriving aircraft, large numbers of waiting passengers in both terminals and aircraft, and many stranded transfer passengers in secure zones. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee also stated it was not adequately prepared for the disruption, adding weight to the court’s decision.

The strike had been called by trade unions CNV and FNV following a breakdown in collective labour agreement talks with KLM. While negotiations with other unions are ongoing, CNV and FNV announced a full-day strike in protest over stalled wage discussions. KLM, however, contends that employee wages have already increased between 25% and 40% since 2019 and that further wage hikes are not sustainable under current financial conditions. The airline warned that a strike would significantly harm passengers and the company’s post-pandemic recovery.

KLM welcomed the court’s decision, calling the blocked strike “good for our passengers and the company.” Miriam Kartman, KLM’s Chief People Officer, added that the court’s ruling does not resolve the underlying labour issues: “We want to continue discussions with all unions to find fair and sustainable solutions.” The airline reiterated its willingness to return to the table and emphasized the importance of avoiding disruption during this busy travel season.