KLM pilots reject new pay deal, say more should be done to cut pressure

KLM pilots on Thursday rejected a new pay deal thrashed out between the airline and the VNV trade union and called for compensation for the lack of immediate measures to reduce the pressure of work.

In May, KLM said it had reached an agreement with pilot unions over a new pay-and-conditions pact. The deal gave pilots a 4% pay rise and more days off and was seen as boosting the position of KLM president Pieter Elbers who concluded a similar CAO with cabin staff in January.

But the 2,800 KLM pilots are now demanding more effort is made to reduce the pressure of work, and are preparing to take industrial action, the NRC reported.

In particular, they want KLM to compensate pilots for not introducing improved working hours and rest periods from January 2018, when the pay deal should have come into effect. KLM wants to introduce the new measures next year.