Workplace Report September 2022

European news

First agreement for Dutch baggage handlers


The FNV union and the employers’ association have signed the first ever generally binding agreement covering baggage handlers at airports in the Netherlands. Previously, agreements were signed by individual companies providing baggage handling. The new deal covers all companies in the sector with the exception of those working directly for the KLM airline.
The agreement, which runs from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025, covers around 3,000 employees, working for companies such as Menzies Aviation, Aviapartner and Swissport. It provides year on year pay increases of 3% each year, well below inflation in the Netherlands, which is currently 10.3% (July). However, its binding nature is probably more important as it means that companies can no longer compete on the basis of lower wages.