The staff shortage at Schiphol will once again cause chaos at check-in counters, security and baggage handling this summer. FNV predicts this after a poll among ground staff and an investigation by the Labor Inspectorate. Only the cancellation of flights can prevent the summer chaos, says FNV.
Last year, the staff shortage at Schiphol caused long lines with waiting passengers, flight delays and leftover suitcases† The employees expect a similar chaotic situation this summer, despite the airport’s efforts to urgently recruit new staff†
“This chaos not only causes inconvenience to passengers. The employees at Schiphol are under enormous pressure, with stress and absenteeism as a result and a danger to flight safety,” says Joost van Doesburg of FNV Schiphol.
‘Gross violations’
Due to the shortage, the staff had to work a lot of overtime last year. In addition, they were given too little rest after a series of night shifts. This is apparent from an investigation by the Labor Inspectorate. The inspection saw that employees worked shifts of more than 12 hours and work weeks of more than 60 hours.
“These are serious violations. The companies pass their problems on to the employees. That has to stop,” says Van Doesburg. “It is clear to us: being able to do your work safely and healthily should be the starting point. If that cannot be guaranteed, flights must be cancelled.”
Precious take-off and landing rights
The chance that the flight schedule will actually be canceled is nil. The summer timetable has already started and will run until the end of October. Schiphol does not expect that there will be airlines that want to waive their expensive take-off and landing rights.