OREANDA-NEWS. July 22, 2016. KLM received an ultimatum from the FNV union in response to KLM’s final proposal for a new collective labour agreement for Ground personnel. In its ultimatum, the FNV union says it will take labour action if KLM does not issue a written response before Tuesday, 26 July, accepting the FNV’s demands, some of which are new.

KLM is very disappointed with the FNV’s chosen approach. KLM understands that labour terms and conditions are important to all employees. However, the labour terms and conditions offered by KLM have always been and, under the proposal offered by KLM, will remain excellent compared to other Dutch companies and other airlines. We are faced with the reality that the world around us has changed, and that we too must change. Recent benchmarks indicate that, despite the labour contracts negotiated last year, there is still a big gap between KLM and its competitors. In order to invest, grow and retain employment opportunities, it is therefore essential that we reduce our costs in line with negotiated targets by raising productivity.