KLM Cancels 100 Flights Amid Ground Staff First Strike
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has canceled approximately 100 flights scheduled for today, September 10, due to a two-hour strike (from 8 AM to 10 AM local time) by ground crew workers at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS).
The strike was organized by two unions, FNV and CNV, representing KLM’s ground staff responsible for baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and customer assistance.
Despite KLM recently reaching a tentative collective labor agreement with three other ground staff unions, FNV and CNV did not participate in those talks and have proceeded with the strike. They demand better wages and recognition for physically demanding roles.
The strike has impacted about 27,000 passengers, with most canceled flights being short-haul European routes.
KLM is working to rebook all affected travelers, but has warned that the high volume of disrupted passengers means rebooking could take longer than usual.
A second strike is scheduled for September 17, set to last four hours in the morning, promising further disruptions.
The aviation industry has seen multiple labor disputes this year, such as strikes by French air traffic controllers and Air Canada flight attendants, all reflecting concerns over wages and working conditions.
