KLM pilots want the airline to renegotiate the terms of the emergency support. KLM staff earning more than three times as an average must submit at least 20 percent in salary. According to the pilots, it is contrary to international labor law to impose that condition.
That writes the Stichting Piloten Aandelen Air France-KLM (SPAAK) Monday in a press release. The foundation owns 2.51 percent of the company’s shares, thereby promoting the interests of pilots.
According to the foundation, all unions involved have already indicated that this wage requirement cannot be met. The claim would also violate the “principles on which negotiations with personnel take place within Air France-KLM”.
At the end of June it became clear that the cabinet wants to support KLM for an amount of 3.4 billion euros. The aid consists of two parts: a direct loan of 1 billion euros and a loan of 2.4 billion euros that KLM receives directly from eleven banks. The government guarantees the latter loan.
In exchange for the aid, staff salaries are cut. Employees who earn more than three times an average (109,500 euros) were asked to hand in at least 20 percent of the salary. Employees who earn less are requested to submit a smaller proportion. As long as KLM receives support, the company may not distribute dividends to shareholders or pay bonuses.
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