Schiphol, the government, trade union FNV and knowledge institutions are joining forces for a major study into the consequences of ultrafine particles and the improvement of air quality. An independent chairperson will monitor the progress and results of the investigation. The collaboration is striking, because Schiphol and FNV have not trusted each other for years and have been at odds with each other for years.
FNV has been pushing for an independent study for some time into the consequences of ultrafine particles for platform personnel. In 2019, the association opened a hotline for staff† Employees can express their concerns there about health problems, but also about the culture of fear that would prevail there.
Joost van Doesburg, campaign manager of FNV Schiphol is positive about the research. However, criticism remains: as far as Van Doesburg is concerned, the airport should have taken responsibility years ago to be able to offer its staff the healthiest possible working environment. FNV has therefore called in the Labor Inspectorate for an enforcement investigation.
Schiphol reports that there will be an exposure and health survey among the employees. An independent chairperson who has yet to be appointed will oversee the progress of the investigation.
Complex
RIVM previously conducted an investigation into health consequences of local residents from Schiphol. Part of the House of Representatives urged that employees also be included, but this turned out to be impossible due to the complexity of such an investigation.