The Dutch airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has spoken with all five unions – CNV, De Unie, FNV, NVLT and VKP – to a new Collective employment agreement (GAV) An agreement has been reached for ground staff. The agreement covers the period from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027 The agreement is an important step towards securing labor relations and operational stability at the airline.
The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) envisions a phased approach. Salary increase of 3,25 percent Over the two-year term: 1 percent from December 1, 2025, 1,25 percent from July 1, 2026, and a further 1 percent from January 1, 2027. Additionally, one-off net payments A bonus of €500 in December 2025 and €250 in January 2026 has been agreed upon. These arrangements are intended to strengthen employees' purchasing power. Furthermore, shift allowances will be included in the calculation of the year-end bonus starting in 2026.
Significant improvements were achieved in the areas of retirement provision and flexibility. The so-called 80-90-100 program, which allows older employees to work 80 percent of their working hours for 90 percent of their salary with full pension accrual, will continuous introduced and extended to shift workers. Early retirement scheme (RVU) For physically demanding jobs, permanent contracts will also be introduced from 2026. These measures aim to reduce the burden on older employees and allow them more flexible transitions into retirement. Miriam Kartman, Chief HR Officer of KLM, expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, which she said represents sustainable arrangements in light of KLM's current financial situation and secures purchasing power while also strengthening flexibility and productivity.
The new collective bargaining agreement also includes updates to the company's social plan, the introduction of an addendum for technicians, and an alignment of the profit-sharing arrangement with other employee groups. Following the agreement with all participating unions, final approval from the members is now pending to enable the implementation of the agreement later this year.