Last year there was between unions De Unie, NVLT, FNV and CNV and KLM, Transavia and Regional Jet Center frequently discussed a scheme for employees who have been exposed to Chromium since 1970. Unfortunately, this has also happened at KLM and its subsidiaries Transavia and Regional Jet Center (RJC). With all the consequences for the employees.
During the consultation – which was complex and took a long time – a careful procedure was followed, in which the necessary external experts were also involved. Our aim was to arrive at a suitable arrangement that does justice to KLM's liability and the actual situation of the individual employee.
good news
There is now an arrangement for all employees of KLM, Transavia and RJC. This arrangement ensures that (former) employees of the relevant companies who have been exposed to Chromium6 and who develop a Chromium6-related illness/disorder receive initial compensation quickly and without much hassle. A compensation that depends on the degree of exposure and the severity of the condition/disease. A compensation that is equal for every (former) employee with the same condition and exposure. In many cases this avoids a long legal process. And that's nice because when you get sick, you obviously don't want that. It must be said, however, that you always have the option of taking legal action in addition to the compensation provided for in this scheme – based on your personal situation. This regulation does not block such a liability claim and legal path.
Less good news
Nevertheless, this arrangement cannot ultimately count on the full approval from De Unie. Our approach has always been that the scheme had to meet three conditions:
- An arrangement whereby in the event of illness caused by Chromium6, compensation is based on the personal situation. After all, a 45-year-old employee with two school-age children who becomes seriously ill as a result of exposure to Chromium6 has a different “damage” towards the future than a colleague who is 85 years old with two grandchildren.
- An arrangement in which colleagues who become ill would be relieved as much as possible by the (former) employer
- An acknowledgment of the fact that exposure to Chromium6 has taken place through a one-off net distribution.
The current scheme is very similar to previous schemes such as those at the Ministry of Defense and NS/Nedtrain. We therefore think this part of the agreements is fine. However, we believe that more attention should be paid to the personal situation. The 'unburdening' could also be improved. In addition, we – together with the colleagues from the NVLT – mainly miss a one-off monetary compensation/recognition for the fact that exposure has taken place at all. Even if you are not sick yet. The uncertainty (and fear) that many involved employees and their environment sometimes experience on a daily basis is also a form of 'damage'.
How further?
Even without approval from De Unie KLM can offer a Chrome6 scheme. After all, such an arrangement is not a collective labor agreement or anything like that. We would of course have preferred it differently… in your interest and that of your loved ones. Especially because De Unie (together with the NVLT) represent most colleagues at KLM, Transavia and RJC who are exposed to Chromium6.
Education and Outreach
In the coming period, KLM will hold a number of information meetings. We also believe that this is the responsibility of KLM itself. We advise all employees/members involved to make use of this and to ask all questions. In the meantime, we ensure that members with questions about their personal situation can contact us after the KLM information meetings. We will come back to this shortly.
Questions?
If this message gives rise to questions, you can contact Gertjan Tommel as an RJC/Transavia (former) employee (gertjan.tommel@unie.nl/06-5252 2034). KLM (former) employees can contact Huug Brinkers (huug.brinkers@unie.nl/06-5252 2070).
Of course you can also approach one of our executives within your organization.
