For a long time, there has been discussion about the shrinkage of the number of flight movements at Schiphol. It has become a curious discussion with new developments all the time. Because a possible shrinkage of Schiphol will have considerable consequences for employment in the Netherlands in general and that of KLM employees in particular, De Unie is following developments closely. KLM is one of the largest private employers in the Netherlands and aviation accounts for more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. That is why we do not miss an opportunity to stand up for the interests of Schiphol and the position of KLM.
Supreme Court ruling
The latest development is that on Friday, July 12, 2024, the Supreme Court decided that the Cabinet may not make up its own rules to force shrinkage of Schiphol. This means that the plan to take the first step of shrinkage this summer (from 500,000 to 460,000 flight movements) is definitively off the table. The main argument is that the European Commission in Brussels must assess every step towards shrinkage (balanced approach), whereby the intended shrinkage must be weighed against other measures to limit the nuisance caused by Schiphol.
Alternatives
In the context of this ballanced approach, De Unie – together with the fellow unions of the trade union federation for professionals (VCP) – on June 21. has already published its own view. With this view, we want to show that there are other/better solutions than simply shrinkage.
KLM itself has also developed an alternative plan – together with knowledge institutes – in which the common goal of reducing nuisance can be achieved without reducing the number of flight movements. A plan that so far seems to be ignored by both the minister and the House of Representatives.
Encouraging
De Unie finds the Supreme Court’s ruling ‘encouraging’. Our fear of job loss has been ignored until now.
Our chairman Reinier Castelein has spoken ‘clear language’ in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling: “It is clear that they have no idea what they are doing in The Hague. It is time for a more positive approach to aviation, with a permanent path to a resilient aviation hub. That is what the Dutch business community needs. KLM needs to know where it stands, and so does Schiphol. If the negative approach continues, judge after judge will show that The Hague sees them flying, while Dutch aviation is grounded.”
Strong together
With this ruling, we, as a modern and contemporary trade union, show once again that – in addition to our commitment to your employment conditions – De Unie is a union that will also continue to work for your employment. At the moment, this seems more necessary than ever. The support of all KLM employees is desperately needed. The more employees join us, the better we will be heard! Are you or your colleague not yet a member? Then join us now!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us!
Sincerely,
Huug Brinkers and Wicher van der Hoef
Advocates
