Earlier we informed you about the impasse in the collective labor agreement negotiations and the threat of actions. Of course, there has been a lot of informal consultation behind the scenes. It is now clear that two fellow unions have announced a 24-hour strike and that KLM is trying to prevent this through summary proceedings. In this update we will update you further.
Why doesn’t it work?
KLM has its challenges. In a period of disappointing results, substantial investments are needed. And the challenges have not diminished in recent times. Global tensions are causing closed airspace (which means that more detours have to be made) and rising fuel prices. These are developments that no one is waiting for and that have significant negative consequences for KLM’s results.
Apart from that, of course, we should have had a new collective labor agreement a long time ago. In our proposals, we had already taken into account the difficult circumstances: the need to invest and disappointing results. However, that does not have to stand in the way of a collective labor agreement. In the collective labor agreement consultations, KLM has chosen a line that we think goes too far. Even in difficult times, employees deserve at least retention of purchasing power, no one may be made redundant and there must be a good and workable social plan (Annex 15). In addition, it would help if we took a close look at the IPB scheme. Especially now.
It is unfortunate and disappointing that it takes so much effort to convince KLM’s management of this. Even after the formal negotiations had stalled, there was still a lot of informal consultation – especially on the “domain-specific” topics. Even today.
We would still consult with all unions together (in a so-called multi-context) about wages and duration. Due to the lack of results in the other domains, that consultation has still not taken place. This is now scheduled for July 2.
Position of the Union
KLM is going through a difficult period. This requires vision, creativity and decisiveness. Not only from employees, but especially from the management.
We find it disappointing that there is still no new collective labor agreement at KLM – and we mainly blame KLM itself. In that sense, we understand that a number of fellow unions have run out of patience. Our patience is also increasingly being tested.
Talks are still taking place at the moment. The previously agreed multi-consultations are also still on the agenda. That is why we believe that we are not yet “done negotiating” and that as an employee organization we are not yet formally ready to take action.
In addition, the form of action now chosen – a 24-hour strike – is a firm one. The financial impact of such an action (which could cost the company many tens of millions) and the damage to KLM’s image are enormous. Of course, KLM itself is largely responsible for this – there is no misunderstanding about that – but it underlines all the more the urgency to continue talking. Maybe optimistic, but it’s not Saturday yet……
De Unie supports its members. All the time!
However, we can very well imagine that there are members who do want to take action. On principle and/or to support their colleagues. We really understand that.
In our previous member information, we have already indicated that members who want to participate in actions – including the announced 24-hour strike next Saturday – are always free to do so. After all, collective action is a fundamental right, even if De Unie does not yet formally support these actions. You can then take a day off, but you can also register with us as a striker if you have a Complete membership and thus be eligible for strike benefits (of course only if KLM decides to stop paying wages).
Do you want to participate as a member with a Complete membership? Then send a message to huug.brinkers@unie.nl in advance. You will then receive further instructions.
And do you not yet have a Complete membership, do you want to participate in actions and be eligible for a possible strike benefit? Then register online for the Complete membership (Become a member – KLM Grond). If you remain a full member for at least one year, you are also eligible for a strike benefit.
Finally
De Unie is a trade association that considers customization and nuance important. The world is not black and white, just as our colleagues at KLM are very different. That is why there should be respect for each other and each other’s opinions, whether or not you participate in actions. After all, we are colleagues, not only today and Saturday, but also afterwards.
It’s good to share ideas and opinions, but also take into account a different perspective.
And don’t worry: at the negotiating table, we always come to an agreement in the end, as we have done at KLM for more than 100 years. Also, or perhaps especially, when the pressure is great.
Do you have any questions or comments? Let us know via huug.brinkers@unie.nl
We will keep you informed!
Sincerely,
Huug Brinkers
Advocate
