Schiphol faces security strike as unions issue ultimatum

Dutch trade unions CNV and FNV have issued an ultimatum to Schiphol Airport, threatening strikes if security staff do not receive better working conditions and a reduced workload. 

Unions threaten security strike at Schiphol

On Wednesday, August 12, Schiphol and its three security companies received an ultimatum from CNV and FNV on behalf of the security staff at the Dutch airport. If the employers fail to submit concrete plans to improve working conditions and workload by 12pm on August 19, “the security guards will take immediate action shortly thereafter”, according to a CNV press release. 

The unions are demanding that security workers get more breaks, better work schedules, more certainty around days off, a reduced workload, better distribution of female security guards, better arrangements for bathroom breaks and measures against the heat. Over the past few weeks, the unions have been trying to get Schiphol and the security companies to implement the measures urgently.

“We have run out of negotiations. Schiphol and the security companies acknowledge the problems, but clearly feel too little urgency to take immediate action. We want something to happen *now*, not in a year's time,” said CNV negotiator André Quist. “If the situation does not improve quickly, security guards will go on strike this month. Then we will really have a problem at Schiphol.”

Staff feel the pressure after Schiphol security shake-up

Back in May, Schiphol Airport switched security companies, now using three instead of five. In the first days of the switch, hundreds of travellers missed their flights due to long queues at security caused by staffing issues. 

While passengers may not be experiencing as many delays due to security back-ups, the workers have been under a lot of pressure. Heavy workloads among security personnel have led to high levels of absenteeism, “leading to an even higher workload for those guards who are available, threatening to create a downward spiral of increasing workload and further rising absenteeism”.

If the employers fail to come through before next week, travellers could again face delays when travelling at Schiphol. It is still unclear exactly when the strike would take place and how long it would last.