KLM warns of flight cancellations ahead of Wednesday strike

This story was updated on Monday, September 16 at 10:52 a.m. EST

Dutch carrier KLM is set to cancel dozens of flights on Wednesday (Sept. 17) following a strike by ground staff at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, according to news agency ANP on Monday (Sept. 15).

Earlier this month, the airline reached a deal with certain labour unions.

However, disputes over the collective agreement persist, as two unions that were not included in the agreement have proceeded with strike action.

Turbulence ahead...or not

PAX is actually scheduled to fly with KLM later tonight (Monday)

Early this morning, we received a customer service email from Barry ter Voert, chief experience officer at KLM, warning of a possible disruption.

“Unfortunately, a strike has been announced at KLM on Wednesday, September 17th. This will affect our flights on and around the day of the strike and may therefore also impact your flight,” ter Voert wrote, apologizing.

The executive went on to say that “there is a chance that your flight(s) may be cancelled or otherwise affected.”

“When necessary, we will immediately look for the next available alternative and rebook you as soon as possible. However, due to the scale of the strike, this process may take longer than you are used to.”

Later, however, KLM sent a follow-up email, saying that its earlier message was sent in error. 

"The strike does not affect your flight scheduled for today, 15 September," reads the letter, advising to disregard what was sent previously. 

Local reports, however, indicate that cancellations at KLM are still coming ahead of this Wednesday. 

Ground staff will stop between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. to force the carrier to come up with an acceptable wage package, Unions FNV and CNV said.

This is a developing story. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.