KLM Loses Ground Services Contracts with Delta and Air France
KLM Faces Ground Services Crisis: Air France and Delta Seek Alternatives Amid Strikes
On September 29, KLM, the Dutch arm of the Air France-KLM group, announced significant changes in its ground services at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Following a series of strikes by the ground crew, both Air France and Delta Airlines have opted to search for alternative ground handling partners. This decision comes as a direct response to operational disruptions stemming from labor disputes, which have plagued one of Europe’s busiest airports for weeks.
Impact of Labor Strikes on KLM Operations
KLM has confirmed that this move will have immediate operational implications, particularly affecting its ground services department. The airline stated, “The financial and employment-related consequences of this decision are currently being assessed.” The strikes, which were initiated by KLM’s Amsterdam ground crew, have led to significant service disruptions, including hundreds of flight cancellations.
Financial Repercussions for KLM’s Partners
According to Anoesjka Aspeslagh, a spokesperson for KLM, the strikes have resulted in millions of euros in damages for both Delta and Air France, negatively impacting numerous customers. Aspeslagh emphasized that the ongoing labor disputes played a crucial role in the airlines’ decision to explore other ground service options.
Union Response and Future Negotiations
The CNV labor union, however, has stated that the decision by Air France and Delta is not directly linked to the strikes and that it will not deter the ground crew’s determination to advocate for better working conditions. Souleiman Amallah, a spokesman for CNV, referred to this as merely the beginning of negotiations among the involved parties.
In a move towards resolution, KLM announced on the same day that the two main unions, FNV and CNV, have called off a planned strike for Wednesday. The three parties have set a deadline of November 1 to negotiate and resolve their current impasse.
KLM’s Ground Services at Schiphol Airport
Currently, KLM manages a substantial volume of flights from various airlines at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The ground services department is responsible for:
- 17 daily incoming and outgoing flights for Delta Airlines
- 12 daily flights for Air France
- A total of 380 daily flights managed
While KLM has reached agreements with several unions this month, it continues to struggle to finalize terms with FNV and CNV. In a recent ruling, a Dutch court has allowed the unions to strike only under the condition that international flights with KLM’s partners would remain unaffected.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for KLM and Its Partners
As KLM navigates this turbulent period, the airline’s focus will be on mitigating the impacts of recent disruptions while striving for a favorable resolution to ongoing negotiations with labor unions. The future of its ground services at Schiphol Airport hangs in the balance as the airline seeks to stabilize operations amid significant changes and challenges ahead.
