Unions threaten strike by Schiphol security guards

Unions CNV and FNV are threatening actions by security guards at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. In a joint statement Monday, the unions said they are done with negotiations. According to the unions, the airport’s proposals are too vague and too slow. They are also reportedly insufficient to address the high workload and health complaints of security staff in the short term.

Earlier this year, Schiphol reduced the number of security companies active at the airport from five to three. The airport aims to gain more control over the services, but the unions say the situation for security guards has worsened.

The unions presented eight demands earlier this month to Schiphol and the three security companies. Those demands include a heat protocol and a minimum number of women per security lane at the airport.

The unions are now considering joint next steps, including possible collective actions. CNV had previously said the security guards wanted to take action and preferred to stop work. At the time “patience was already exhausted,” they said.

Ilze Smit, FNV’s Schiphol campaign leader, said the unions have spent months trying to get Schiphol to act. “While security guards indicate that they can barely still carry out their work safely under these circumstances, the employer mainly explains why improvement is only possible later. That is unacceptable.”

Andre Quist, a CNV official, described the same situation: “Schiphol acknowledges the problems but does not dare make firm agreements that give security guards relief now. We have seen this pattern for months. Our members are fed up and cannot wait until next year at all.”