FNV warns KLM outsourcing could intensify competition at Schiphol

FNV, the Netherlands’ largest trade union, says KLM’s plan to outsource some ground-handling work could intensify competition between airport service companies at Schiphol and make it harder to improve working conditions. The union also fears consequences for flight punctuality and aviation safety.

KLM wants to reduce its workforce further as part of cost savings. Egon Groen, an official with FNV KLM Ground Staff, said the airline risked reviving what he called “unhealthy competition” between ground handlers, after years of efforts to curb it. The union described the move as a very bad development.

KLM plans to cut about 5,000 jobs, but says compulsory redundancies should not be necessary. The Dutch airline has lagged behind the wider Air France-KLM group in profitability in recent years, and is pursuing further savings and changes to its European network. Earlier coverage of KLM’s cost-cutting plans