Air France and Delta cut ties with KLM's ground handling crews amid strikes at Schiphol Airport
Air France and Delta Airlines have decided to stop using KLM's ground handling services at Schiphol Airport. This decision came after weeks of strikes by KLM's ground handling crew, which forced the Dutch company to cancel hundreds of flights. KLM confirmed to the ANP news agency that the two companies will be looking for new partners to take over ground handling services.
This decision is considered a serious setback for KLM, especially for its ground services division, which is now preparing for financial repercussions and potential impacts on jobs. The company stated that it is currently assessing the impact of losing Air France and Delta on its operations.
Despite the close partnership between Delta and Air France with KLM through joint ventures and overlapping networks, the two companies will turn to other firms to provide essential services such as baggage handling, passenger assistance, and ground aircraft guidance. This decision reflects the growing dissatisfaction with the disruptions caused by repeated strikes.
Strikes have been organized by ground handling workers affiliated with the FNV and CNV unions. Employees are demanding a new collective labor agreement, emphasizing the need for wage increases in line with inflation rates. They pointed out that pilots and management have already received salary increases, while the ground crew remains behind despite their vital role.
KLM has already canceled hundreds of flights due to these strikes, and more disruptions are expected as unions prepare to organize a new strike on Wednesday. Although the extent of the strikes' impact on Air France and Delta is unclear, their decision to end cooperation with KLM's ground services indicates that these moves were a key factor in driving them to this change.