Schiphol files lawsuit to ensure train service to Amsterdam during Wednesday rail strike

Schiphol Airport announced it will file a lawsuit to win guarantees that train service will keep the airport connected to Amsterdam during a labor strike on Wednesday. The national strike by rail workers will take place from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. that day, and will likely lead to delays and cancellations once employees return to work.

Schiphol is not calling for the court to ban the strike. It is asking for an injunction that orders labor unions and Dutch national railway NS to continue passenger service between the capital and the European Union’s second largest airport.

“With air traffic at Schiphol, thousands of arriving and departing passengers and employees are constantly coming and going,” the airport wrote in a statement on Friday. This is also the case during the early morning hours, the airport said, adding that public transport is “crucial” in keeping the airport accessible.

“Schiphol believes that a train shuttle was important during previous public transport strikes to keep the traffic situation manageable. In order to achieve this minimal train connection, Schiphol is initiating summary proceedings.”

The strike is actually part of a multi-day labor action by public transport workers. The first strike, on Tuesday, will see public transport workers in several of the country’s largest cities walk off the job. Train workers and regional transport workers will strike together on Wednesday. Initially, the regional workers were supposed to strike on Thursday, but this was moved up a day to make the action more effective.

"Schiphol, NS and the unions have discussed the possibility of a train shuttle between the airport and Amsterdam in the past period, but no agreement has been reached. Schiphol regrets that legal action is necessary, but sees no other option,” the airport stated. “Schiphol respects the right to strike and normally gives space for this.”

"Schiphol demanded that the strike will not impact the airport’s operations. The FNV responded immediately by making it clear that it will completely ignore these demands,” the FNV labor union said in response.

“We announced the strike well in advance and extensively informed travellers and companies, including Schiphol,” wrote FNV rail division head Henri Janssen in a statement. “There was a great deal of communication, flyering and media attention. Everyone could have taken measures.”

Even though this is a “mild” strike, the union said it was unfortunate that passengers will be inconvenienced. “That is precisely why we informed all parties involved in good time, so that they can organize alternative travel options,” Janssen said.

The labor unions have called the strikes to demand a permanent early retirement scheme for workers in the Netherlands who carry out physically and emotionally demanding jobs. A temporary scheme is set to expire at the end of the year.

The Cabinet only intervened in the matter last month. More strikes are also planned, including police officers refusing to provide security at contentious football matches.