Benschop has been under fire for some time because of his mismanagement and was brought to the House of Representatives on Tuesday for a text and explanation. Just before the hearing, he told the press that an outline agreement has been reached with the trade union FNV, including on better pay and improved safety.
The costs of this will eventually be passed on to travelers and the shareholders (the State and municipalities) may also receive less dividend. According to the Schiphol boss, a ‘fair’ price must be paid in the near future. “Flying should not become an elite activity. But a fair price has to be paid.” He also wants to solve problems via ‘four lines’ and with an ‘action plan’. Schiphol already came up with an action plan last week to get through the summer well.
For example, Schiphol wants to recruit more security personnel, make employment conditions more attractive for employees and improve the flow of travelers in the terminal. This concerns, for example, coaches who help people through security more quickly and improved information provision. The airport is also trying to make agreements with airlines about reducing and rescheduling flights. Benschop: “I am not going into the summer by chance, with all the risk that we will repeat the situation of the May holiday.”
Cheapest airport in Europe
In the longer term, the airport must also change course, according to the FNV. For example, Schiphol was the cheapest airport in Europe for a long time, it is teeming with employment agencies and the flexibility of contracts has gone too far. “By comparison: Munich’s small airport employs about ten thousand people, Schiphol four times less,” said trade union director Van Doesburg.
He points out that ‘almost all jobs in the Netherlands are better jobs than at Schiphol’. He thinks that needs to change. Among other things, through higher rewards and a safer working climate. “We need an airport that serves our society and employees.”
Benschop himself thinks he is the right man in the right place and feels ‘extremely motivated’ to solve the problems. Despite all the criticism, he has not thought of resigning. Whether his plans for next summer offer solace, however, remains to be seen. On request, Benschop cannot indicate within what period the problems will be solved and normal waiting times will apply again. “But I’m doing my very best to get that done with the team as soon as possible.”