KLM secures two-year labour agreement with all ground staff unions

Deal includes 3.25% pay rise, one-time bonuses, and flexible retirement options

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has reached a new collective labour agreement (CLA) for its ground staff with all five trade unions — CNV, De Unie, FNV, NVLT, and VKP — covering the period from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2027.

The agreement provides a 3.25% salary increase over two years, one-time net payments, and enhanced flexibility and retirement options. It also introduces improvements to profit-sharing and shift work allowances, reflecting a balanced outcome for both employees and the airline.

Under the deal, ground staff will see:

• A 1% salary increase from December 1, 2025
• A 1.25% increase from July 1, 2026
• A 1% increase from January 1, 2027
• One-time payments of €500 in December 2025 and €250 in January 2026
• Shift allowances included in year-end bonus calculations starting in 2026

In addition, the 80-90-100 scheme — allowing older employees to work 80% of hours for 90% pay while keeping full pension accrual — will become permanent and extended to shift workers. The Early Retirement Scheme (RVU) for physically demanding roles will also be made permanent from 2026.

Miriam Kartman, Chief HR Officer at KLM, said:

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with all five trade unions. In KLM’s current financial reality, we’ve made solid arrangements that safeguard purchasing power and strengthen flexibility and productivity. This is good news for our colleagues and for KLM as a whole.”

The agreement also updates the company’s social plan, introduces an addendum for technicians, and aligns the profit-sharing scheme with other employee groups.

With all unions now backing the deal, it will be presented to members for final approval, enabling implementation later this year.