Judges in Haarlem have ruled that KLM ground crew staff cannot stage a 24-hour strike on Saturday, saying the impact would be too far-reaching and pose safety risks at Schiphol airport.

Unions had called the strike for June 28 in support of their pay demands after talks with the airline stalled. They said workers are “livid” because KLM is not considering any pay rise at all. Trade union FNV is also demanding higher compensation for staff who do physically demanding work.

The Dutch flag carrier said in a letter to the unions that the strike would be “totally disproportionate” and damaging to the company, particularly “given the current difficult financial situation” it is facing.

Lawyers for the airport argued that serious problems would arise if ground staff refused to move aircraft into and away from bays. This would clog parking areas for planes, forcing passengers to wait on board and in the departure halls.

The judge agreed with Schiphol that the resulting safety risks were unacceptable, especially as it would increase pressure on the border police. They are already under strain due to the Nato summit in The Hague. For that reason, the judge said, the right to strike must be restricted in this case.

The unions are considering their response.