KLM Ground Crews to Strike at Amsterdam Airport as Summer Holidays Start

Key Takeaways

• KLM ground crews plan an 8-hour strike on July 9, 2025, at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, from 2 PM to 10 PM.
• Unions CNV and FNV demand a 7% wage increase, early retirement, and protection against inflation for ground staff.
• Strike may cause major delays, cancellations, and baggage issues during peak summer travel season at Schiphol Airport.

KLM Ground Crews Strike at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: What Travelers Need to Know

KLM ground crews at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport are set to strike on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless their demands for higher wages and better working conditions are met. This planned strike, organized by the Dutch labor unions CNV and FNV, comes at the start of the summer holiday season in the Netherlands—a time when the airport is especially busy. The action could cause major delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of travelers and raising questions about the future of labor relations at one of Europe’s busiest airports.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for travelers, airport staff, and the wider aviation industry.

Who Is Striking and Why?

The strike involves KLM ground crews at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. These workers include:

• Luggage handlers
• Check-in counter staff
• Ground security personnel

They are represented by two of the largest Dutch labor unions, CNV and FNV. The unions have been in talks with KLM for months, trying to secure a new collective bargaining agreement after the previous one expired in March 2025. Their main demands are:

• A 7% wage increase to keep up with rising prices
• An early retirement plan for workers in physically demanding jobs
• Measures to protect purchasing power as inflation continues to affect daily life

Union leaders say ground staff have not seen fair pay increases, especially compared to pilots and executives, who have received bonuses and raises. According to CNV and FNV, this has created a sense of unfairness and frustration among ground workers, who feel left behind despite their essential role in airport operations.

KLM’s Response and the Ongoing Dispute

KLM, the Netherlands’ flagship airline, initially proposed a two-year wage freeze, pointing to financial pressures. The airline reported a €271 million drop in profits last year, bringing total profits down to €1.4 billion. KLM management says they need to control costs to stay competitive and protect future investments.

However, after union pressure and the threat of strikes, KLM has now offered to drop the pay freeze and discuss a wage increase. Still, union leaders from CNV and FNV have called these new proposals “too vague” and not enough to meet their members’ needs.

KLM spokesperson: “We informed the unions last Friday that we would abandon the [pay freeze] and come up with a wage offer that we will discuss today.”

FNV aviation branch (Jaap de Bie): “Ground staff are expected to work harder without seeing any financial benefit, while pilots and executives receive bonuses.”

Legal Battles and Recent Developments

This is not the first time the unions have tried to strike. In June 2025, CNV and FNV planned a 24-hour strike, but the Haarlem District Court blocked it. The judge said the strike would create unacceptable safety and security risks, especially with the airport already under pressure from a major NATO summit and ongoing runway repairs.

After the court’s decision, the unions quickly announced they would try again, this time with new safety protocols and at a time when there are no major international events at the airport. They believe these changes will allow the July 9 strike to go ahead legally.

CNV negotiator Souleiman Amallah: “We are confident that the strike can go ahead this time. Based on the passenger figures that we have demanded from Schiphol and KLM and the agreements that we have made in the safety consultation, we are convinced that this strike can take place safely.”

KLM is still considering legal action to stop the July 9 strike, but the unions believe the court will not block it this time.

What Will Happen on July 9?

If no agreement is reached before July 9, the strike will go ahead from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This eight-hour window falls during one of the busiest travel days of the year at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The strike is expected to cause:

• Long delays at check-in and security
• Possible flight cancellations
• Missed connections for travelers
• Baggage handling slowdowns, leading to lost or delayed luggage

Travelers are being advised to:

• Check for updates from KLM and Schiphol Airport
• Arrive early for their flights
• Prepare for delays and possible changes to their travel plans

For the latest updates, travelers can visit the official Schiphol Airport website.

Why Is This Strike Important?

This strike is about more than just pay. It highlights bigger issues in the aviation industry, especially in Europe. Ground staff often feel they are not treated as well as pilots or managers, even though their work is physically demanding and essential for smooth airport operations.

Labor relations experts say this dispute shows the growing tension between workers and management in the airline industry. Many ground staff feel left out of the financial recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, while pilots and executives have seen their pay and bonuses rise.

Industry analysts warn that if strikes like this become more common, it could hurt the reputation of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and KLM. Delays, cancellations, and unhappy travelers could make people choose other airports or airlines, which would hurt the Dutch economy.

What Are the Unions Saying?

The unions, CNV and FNV, argue that ground staff are the backbone of airport operations. They say these workers deserve fair pay, especially as inflation makes everyday life more expensive. The unions also point out that many ground staff do physically hard work, often in tough conditions, and should have the option to retire early.

Union leaders have made it clear that if their demands are not met, more strikes and labor actions could follow. They want KLM to make a clear and fair offer that addresses their main concerns.

What Is KLM’s Position?

KLM management says they understand the concerns of ground staff but must also think about the airline’s long-term health. They warn that giving in to all the union demands could make it harder for KLM to invest in new planes, technology, and jobs in the future.

KLM has offered to discuss a wage increase and says it is committed to finding a solution. However, the airline also says it may go to court again to try to stop the strike if talks break down.

How Will This Affect Travelers?

For travelers, the biggest worry is disruption. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, and July is peak travel season. The strike could lead to:

• Long lines at check-in and security
• Flight delays and cancellations
• Problems with baggage handling
• Missed connections for international travelers

Business travelers and families going on holiday are especially likely to be affected. Some travel groups have criticized the timing of the strike, saying it will cause unnecessary stress and financial loss for people who have already booked their trips.

What Should Travelers Do?

If you are flying through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on July 9, here are some steps you can take:

• Check your flight status regularly on the KLM and Schiphol websites
• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
• Pack essentials in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed
• Be ready for possible rebooking or changes to your travel plans
• Stay in touch with your airline for the latest updates

KLM and Schiphol Airport will post updates on their official websites and social media channels. You can also contact KLM customer service or the Schiphol helpdesk for urgent questions.

What Happens Next?

The next few days are critical. KLM and the unions are still talking, and there is a chance they could reach a deal before July 9. If they do, the strike may be called off, and flights will run as normal.

If no agreement is reached, the strike will go ahead, and travelers should expect major disruption. The unions have also warned that more strikes could follow if their demands are not met.

Broader Impact on the Aviation Industry

This dispute is not just about one airline or one airport. It reflects wider problems in the aviation industry, especially in Europe. Many ground staff feel they are not getting a fair share of the financial recovery after the pandemic. At the same time, airlines are under pressure to control costs and stay competitive.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that how this dispute is resolved could set a precedent for future labor talks in the Dutch and European aviation sectors. If the unions win a big pay increase, other airport workers across Europe may push for similar deals. If KLM holds firm, it could lead to more strikes and unrest.

What Are the Legal Issues?

The legal battle over the right to strike is also important. In June, the Haarlem District Court blocked a planned 24-hour strike, saying it would create safety risks during a major international event. This time, the unions have changed their plans to address the court’s concerns, including:

• Shortening the strike to eight hours
• Choosing a day with no major international events
• Working with airport authorities to ensure safety

KLM may still try to block the strike in court, but the unions believe they have a strong case this time.

What Are the Main Points of Disagreement?

The main sticking points between KLM and the unions are:

• Size of the wage increase: The unions want 7%, while KLM has not made a clear offer.
• Early retirement: The unions want a plan for workers in tough jobs to retire early.
• Protecting purchasing power: The unions want pay to keep up with inflation.
• Fairness: The unions say it’s unfair for pilots and executives to get bonuses while ground staff are asked to accept less.

KLM says it needs to control costs to protect jobs and invest in the future.

What Should Employers and Other Stakeholders Do?

Employers and business groups are watching closely. Many rely on Schiphol Airport for shipping goods and business travel. They are worried that strikes could hurt the Dutch economy and make it harder to do business.

Some business groups have called on both sides to reach a deal quickly to avoid hurting travelers and the economy.

Where Can You Find More Information?

For the latest updates, travelers and stakeholders should check:

• KLM Official Website
• Schiphol Airport Information
• CNV Union
• FNV Union

The Dutch government also provides information about labor rights and strikes at Government of the Netherlands – Labor Relations.

Summary Table: KLM Ground Crew Strike – July 2025

Final Thoughts and Practical Guidance

The planned strike by KLM ground crews at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a major event with wide-reaching effects. It highlights the challenges facing the aviation industry as it recovers from the pandemic and deals with rising costs. For travelers, the best advice is to stay informed, plan ahead, and be ready for possible changes to your trip.

For KLM, the unions, and other airlines, the outcome of this dispute could shape labor relations for years to come. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on July 9.

Key Takeaways:

• KLM ground crews, represented by CNV and FNV, plan to strike on July 9, 2025, at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
• The strike is set for 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., during the busy summer holiday season.
• Main demands are a 7% wage increase, early retirement options, and protection against inflation.
• Travelers should check for updates, arrive early, and prepare for possible delays or cancellations.
• The outcome could affect future labor talks in the Dutch and European aviation sectors.

Stay tuned to official channels for the latest news and be prepared for changes as the situation unfolds.

Learn Today

Ground crews → Airport workers handling luggage, check-in, and security for smooth flight operations and passenger service.
Collective bargaining agreement → A negotiated contract between unions and employers detailing wages, work conditions, and benefits.
Pay freeze → An employer’s decision to temporarily stop salary increases due to financial pressures or economic conditions.
Early retirement → A plan allowing workers to retire before the usual age, often due to physically demanding jobs.
Inflation → A general increase in prices that reduces purchasing power and affects workers’ real income.

This Article in a Nutshell

KLM ground crews strike at Amsterdam Schiphol on July 9 threatens major disruption. Unions demand 7% wage hikes and early retirement. Travelers should prepare for delays and check for updates to avoid inconvenience during peak summer travel.
— By VisaVerge.com