Schiphol faces union ultimatum to overhaul security staff conditions

Dutch unions CNV and FNV have issued an eight‑point demand list to Amsterdam‑Schiphol Airport, urging immediate action to improve the working environment of airport security personnel. The unions cite excessive heat, chronic understaffing, inadequate rest periods, limited female staffing on security lanes, and delayed restroom access as creating an untenable situation.

The unions have asked for a meeting with Schiphol management and the three contracted security firms by Thursday 23 July, seeking enforceable agreements on a heat‑protocol, minimum female staffing, guaranteed leave days, balanced part‑time scheduling, and adequate recovery time after consecutive workdays. They warn that staff patience is exhausted and that sporadic walk‑outs have already occurred, with a full strike still possible.

Schiphol acknowledges the concerns and the high workload but has not yet committed to concrete measures, noting that it reduced the number of security contractors earlier this year to gain tighter operational control.