Unions threaten action at Schiphol against security contractor over staffing chaos

Labor unions are threatening action against security firm I-SEC, which provides passenger screening services at Schiphol Airport, after staffing changes led to long security lines and widespread worker complaints earlier this week, the unions said Friday.

On Monday, the first day Schiphol began operating under a reduced structure of three security companies instead of five, multiple departure halls experienced long queues. The disruption followed the transfer of nearly 5,000 security staff to new employers under the revised setup, which caused confusion and delays in airport security operations.

Vakbonden FNV, CNV and De Unie are giving I-SEC one week to resolve serious problems with work schedules and shift rostering. If the issues are not resolved, the unions say they will organize action at Schiphol Airport. FNV board member Serda Karabulut made the warning following reporting by De Telegraaf.

Karabulut did not specify what form any action might take. “That would be premature,” he said.

Unions say security staff are being disproportionately affected by the transition, particularly due to problems with rosters and handling of leave requests. According to Karabulut, complaints have surged sharply and are coming from both union members and non-members.

“Employees call, email, contact us directly, or report via our call center,” Karabulut said. He added that complaints now number in the hundreds. “It is completely overflowing. That is why we have opened a reporting point to bundle everything and handle it better,” he said.

Karabulut also said many security workers reportedly called in sick on Monday, the same day the new security structure took effect. The unions said most complaints from their members concerned I-SEC specifically.