KLM has been attempting to avoid mass layoffs but this now looks to be unavoidable. The company is being kept afloat as it is only with the help of state aid, which has been conditioned on restructuring. This, it’s been decided, will require firing thousands of people to save on salary costs. Already, KLM had decided not to renew temporary contracts. An existing voluntary departure scheme was then opened up to all KLM staff with permanent employment. In addition to 1378 ground staff, 981 cabin crew members and 77 pilots have enrolled in the program.
