Schiphol security staff begin strike action over workload

Security personnel at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport will commence brief work stoppages and intentionally reduce productivity in the coming days, following the expiration of a deadline set by unions FNV and CNV to alleviate an overwhelming workload. Passengers may encounter extended wait times due to the disruption. The strikes were formally announced on Wednesday, after a deadline expired at noon.

The actions will be announced a few hours prior to commencement, and the unions have not ruled out the possibility of extended strikes if no improvements are made.

CNV negotiator André Quist stated that "nobody wants industrial action at Schiphol", but emphasized that "if employers fail to take concrete steps against the immense workload, even after a clear ultimatum, they leave our members with no choice". The dispute stems from a restructuring in the spring, when Schiphol reduced the number of companies handling hand-luggage checks from five to three.

This change affected the majority of Schiphol's approximately 5,000 security guards, who were retained at the same pay level, but experienced alterations in their work schedules, shift times, breaks, and leave policies. As a result, the unions claim workloads have increased and sickness absence has risen, leaving fewer guards to manage the same amount of work – a cycle they warn could worsen.

In July, the unions presented eight demands, including longer breaks, two consecutive days off after working five, heat protocol implementation in terminals, and at least two women assigned to each security lane, in order to enable female passengers to be searched if necessary. If only one female is present, all lanes should close, according to the unions.

Schiphol expressed regret over the action and acknowledged the concerns of the guards, stating that it and the three security firms were already working on improvements to five of the eight demands. The company pledged to do everything possible to minimize the impact on passengers.

Additionally, there was a separate walkout by approximately 350 cleaners at Schiphol on Wednesday, lasting for two hours around noon, due to reduced sick pay in the national cleaning agreement. The unions argue that Schiphol, as a major client, should assist in resisting this change.