Trade unions CNV and FNV are warning of possible industrial action by security guards at Schiphol Airport. In a joint statement, the unions say they have “run out of negotiations”, arguing that Schiphol’s proposals are too vague, too slow, and do not offer short‑term relief for staff facing high workloads and health complaints.
Earlier this year, Schiphol reduced the number of security companies operating at the airport from five to three. The airport says the change is intended to improve control over service delivery. According to the unions, however, working conditions for security guards have worsened. Earlier this month, they presented eight demands to Schiphol and the three companies, including a heat protocol and a minimum number of women per security lane.
The unions are now considering joint next steps, which may include collective action. CNV previously stated that security guards were ready to take action and wanted to stop working, adding that “patience had already run out”.
Ilze Smit, FNV’s Schiphol campaign manager, says the unions have spent months trying to push Schiphol to act. “While security guards indicate that they can barely perform their work safely under these conditions, the employer mainly continues to explain why improvements are only possible later. That is unacceptable.”
Andre Quist, a board member at CNV, shares the same concerns. “Schiphol acknowledges the problems, but does not dare to make firm agreements that would provide relief to security guards now. We have been seeing this pattern for months. Our members are at their wits’ end and simply cannot wait until next year.”
The ANP has asked Schiphol for a response.
@ANP | News Brainport
