On Thursday, October 3, 2024, the unions were updated by KLM on the Back on Track in a 45-minute meeting plan. Those 45 minutes, you will understand, are insufficient to go through and live through the full scope of the plans. It is a shock. In any case, we have agreed that we will sit down with each other a lot in the coming period to discuss the plans and to shape them in more detail. Because what does this mean for you? That is not yet clear at the moment.
De Unie has emphatically indicated that we must listen carefully to the ideas and suggestions that are already bubbling up from the shop floor. The best ideas, which often yield the most, come from the bottom up instead of from above. This is crucial to create support for concrete measures. Compulsory redundancies are unacceptable to us at this time. KLM should really have learned from the mistakes made during corona.
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
During this meeting, KLM mainly repeated what was in their news item. These plans should generate 450 million euros in KLM’s result in the foreseeable future. In doing so, KLM is looking at reducing costs, but certainly also at increasing revenues.
Threats
The problem analysis that KLM shared in our conversation was a bit more explicit than they had entrusted to paper. KLM is looking with horror at the (possible) introduction of higher flight tax in 2027, as stated in the government’s plans. The increase in port dues is also a thorn in their side. The reduction in the number of flights from Schiphol also poses a threat to KLM’s revenue model. In addition, geopolitical tensions and wars worldwide have led to higher costs due to the need for expensive detours.
Turning weaknesses into opportunities
During the conversation, we also came to KLM’s current two major weaknesses at the moment. On the one hand, this is a shortage of pilots and, on the other hand, an underperformance of MROs due to a shortage of technicians and a supply chain that is not in order. De Unie is particularly critical on these two points. KLM acts as if this has happened to them. The corona crisis has happened to all of us. That’s true.
The choices that were made then and from which we are reaping the bitter fruits today stem from short-term politics. The first IATA outlook in corona time predicted a return to the pre-corona (2019) level of flying by the end of 2023. At the time, the Union emphasised the need to preserve key professions that require extensive training. The staff shortage that has now arisen is the result of KLM’s conscious choice to let employees leave (voluntarily) in too many crucial places. We must now make sure that we do not make the same mistake again. Nevertheless, even now, the short term seems to be winning out over a well-thought-out long-term strategy. A donkey does not hit the same stone twice. Hopefully KLM won’t either.
In the current labor market, it is especially important to retain existing staff. Under the motto close the back door and open the front door wide, employment conditions interventions will not be an option as far as De Unie is concerned. Nor should there be any cuts in flight safety, safe working conditions and a socially safe climate. Healthy working and a healthy work-life balance are key to reducing absenteeism. Here too, we must listen carefully to the ideas about solutions that are alive in the workplace.
Chances
Despite the challenges, there remains a strong demand for air travel. People have dreamed of flying since the dawn of mankind, and KLM is still helping to make these dreams come true. With an ambitious investment agenda for a new fleet, KLM can continue to respond to the need for air travel in the future. As in previous crises, the Union will take its responsibility to make KLM stronger. From your interest. With plenty of opportunities for you and your colleagues to have a great career at an equally beautiful company.
Strengths
De Unie recognizes the strengths that KLM itself cites. You and your colleagues are a super enthusiastic team. Loyal to each other and to KLM and its passengers. Combined with its history, as the oldest airline to fly under its own name, you make KLM a rock-solid brand. We should cherish that and we can be proud of it. And we also have to maintain this rock-solid brand. With each other for each other. From our blue heart.
A strong Union stands up for you
By becoming a member of De Unie you have chosen to strengthen yourself. We encourage you to convince your colleagues to join too, because together we are stronger. De Unie offers a place where you can get advice, share your concerns and find solutions. Together we can meet any challenge. Fortuna Eruditis Favet, loosely translated fate helps those who are well prepared. Let’s prepare together for what is to come.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or compliments, you can email us at huug.brinkers@unie.nl. You can also call 06-5252 2077.
Be tough and don’t let yourself go crazy.
Sincerely,
The Union
Huug Brinkers
Advocate
The KLM Ground Union
