News item | 10-07-2023 | 6:30 pm
The number of companies handling baggage at Schiphol is declining. This should lead to better working conditions and employment conditions for employees, and will also benefit the quality of the service and efficiency. Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harbers has decided that the number of ground handlers should be increased to three. Currently there are six.
Six companies are active at Schiphol and are responsible for handling baggage, the apron and cargo and mail. That is a relatively large number, compared to other European airports. On the one hand, the high number of handlers provides choice and low costs for the airlines, but it can also have negative consequences for the working conditions for employees and quality.
The Ministry commissioned a study to determine whether reducing the number of handlers could have a positive effect on safety, quality, effectiveness and efficiency at Schiphol. The study concludes that the market for handling at Schiphol is not working optimally at the moment, and that a limitation to three handlers would have the greatest positive effect on these four aspects.
Simply limiting the number of handlers is not enough, the researchers emphasize. At the same time, additional agreements must be made between the airport and the handling companies.
Reducing the number of ground handlers can have a significant impact on companies and their employees. That is why a consultation period is now being started. A final decision will follow in the autumn.
After the final decision, Schiphol will start a European tender to select the future handling companies. That is expected to take nine months. This is followed by a transitional period so that everyone can adapt to the new situation.
The entire process is expected to be completed by 2025.