Schiphol’s security staff announce strikes: here’s what we know so far

If you’re flying soon, be prepared. Schiphol’s security staff have said enough is enough and will carry out a series of strikes in the coming period.

And what does that mean? Extra-long queues and overall chaos at Schiphol Airport.

CNV has announced that the first of the strikes will take place “shortly”, but they have not indicated a date. This is because the strike will only be announced a few hours before it takes place.

The union indicates that several strikes are coming our way; the only good news is that they say, at first, the strikes will be “short-term.”

Why are they striking?

André Quist of the CNV writes that these strikes come after months of chaos for security staff at Schiphol. Back in March and May, Schiphol switched security contracts, bringing the number of companies responsible for security down from six to three.

For many security staff, this meant they suddenly had a new employer — and worse working conditions.

According to the CNV, staff have been struggling for months under this new regime, facing “high work pressure, rising absenteeism, and insufficient opportunities to recover.”

AD writes that there is also a shortage of seasoned security staff available, meaning that the few authorised security staff must sit behind screens for hours, potentially missing “unsafe situations.”

The CNV approached Schiphol with an ultimatum, requesting better breaks, better part-time schedules, more scope for leave, and better measures for working in high temperatures.

They also requested more female security staff, as there currently aren’t enough to frisk female passengers, resulting in longer waiting times.

Nothing from Schiphol

According to Quist, Schiphol is well aware of these issues — it’s just not doing anything about them.

“Schiphol and the security companies acknowledge that there are problems. That is precisely why it is so disappointing and frustrating that concrete measures are not forthcoming,” he says.

Schiphol has told the staff that it is looking into a solution, but after months, nothing has materialised.

“Talking alone is no longer enough,” Quist says. “If employers are unwilling to deliver, our members will make it clear that the limit has been reached. And yes, travellers may notice the consequences of that as well. But that is the choice Schiphol is making.”

Dig what you’re reading? Get more of it! Join our WhatsApp channel or Instagram broadcast to get the latest news straight to your pocket.