We have previously informed you that according to the Land Collective Labor Agreement (Article 4.3), the trade unions are the first advisory body if jobs are lost (imminent redundancy). This also applies to the plans that KLM has presented as part of the Back on Track program, which would lead to fewer indirect office workers. In the meantime, all ground unions have drawn up an advice together.
The process
In the beginning, there was a lot of discussion with KLM about what exactly the intention of the collective labor agreement article was. After that, we received more information from KLM and asked several questions. Unfortunately, not everything was clear, and it often took a long time before we got answers. This has caused delays, which we obviously regret, because it unnecessarily perpetuates the uncertainty among employees for longer.
At the moment, not everything is clear and not all questions have been answered. Still, we think we have enough information to give advice now.
The advice
Together with the other ground unions, De Unie has decided to give a negative advice. Read the advice here.
Firstly, we understand that KLM, especially because of necessary and ambitious investments in the new fleet, wants to improve results. But we are not convinced that cutting jobs in the land organization is necessary for this.
Furthermore, we do not think that KLM has a cost problem, but more of a capacity problem. Due to the shortage of pilots and the challenges at the maintenance company E&M, KLM cannot use the full capacity of the ICA network. This results in a substantially lower result. If KLM were to solve the capacity problem, together with the other measures in the Back on Track program (which are largely ‘business as usual’), the elimination of jobs at Grond would not be necessary.
Finally, we are still concerned about the tensions within KLM between the different domains and the polarization that this creates.
The sequel
We have officially informed KLM of our advice. It is now up to KLM to respond to this. As soon as we know more, we will keep you informed. Until then, we will continue to oppose forced redundancies.
Because the Works Council (OR) is also allowed to give advice on the Y applications (that is about 40 partial requests for advice) according to the Works Councils Act (WOR), we have also shared our advice with the Works Council.
To be continued!
Sincerely,
Huug Brinkers
Advocate
