Schiphol starts security checkpoint reorganization, sparking concerns for waiting times

Today, Schiphol is starting a major reorganization of its setup for passenger and hand luggage checks. Approximately half of the 5,000 security workers will transfer to new companies and new positions. Trade unions and security guards fear long queues for passengers and unsafe situations.

Trade union FNV surveyed over 200 Schiphol security workers and found that they have major concerns about the new work system. “We do not rule out the possibility that passengers will notice,” FNB board member Jaap de Bie told AD, warning about longer queues. “During the May holidays, under the old system, it was busy at Schiphol, but not problematic. I wouldn’t dare say whether that will be the case in the summer after all these changes.”

“If the workload increases further as a result, tight staffing will certainly have consequences for queues and waiting times,” De Bie said. During the May and summer holidays four years ago, security staff shortages caused chaos at the airport. The queues at Schiphol were so long that countless people missed their flights. Schiphol ended up forcing airlines to cancel thousands of flights to tame the chaos.

In the FNV survey, 88 percent of security guards said that there are insufficient staff to perform their work safely. This can lead to fewer security lanes being open, causing waiting times to increase, especially during the busy summer holidays. Respondents also warn of a lack of female staff. Regulations state that female travelers may only be frisked by female security guards.

According to the trade union, a significant portion of the security guards are looking for other work because of the changes to their work schedules. “For people who work irregular hours, a schedule is sacred; their private lives depend on it,” De Bie said.

Security guards also complained about the changes to Parool. “This transition is the biggest nightmare,” one said. “I deliberately chose a company with a good working atmosphere, and now I am being forced to switch to an employer that I don’t want. I certainly looked for other work. But if you have been employed for a while, you take a huge financial hit.”

“I really enjoy this work, but they are making it very difficult to keep enjoying it,” said another guard. “I know caregivers who can’t cope anymore, single parents with children, colleagues who can’t work on weekends. Many people have already changed jobs. Every day I speak to colleagues who are looking for something else.”

After the 2022 chaos, the trade unions agreed with Schiphol that the setup for checks had to change. There have to be fewer companies bidding less frequently for the lucrative Schiphol contract. The airport also agreed to take a 25 percent stake in the security activities, to keep a finger on the pulse.

According to trade unions FNV and CNV, the agreements don’t have enough effect. The three security companies operating at the airport from Monday focused too much on costs and not on working conditions. And Schiphol is not involved enough.

“Schiphol is still too far removed from security,” CNV board member Erik Maas told Parool. “Simply put, not enough strict conditions have been included in the tenders to prevent problems from arising again. When we approach them now, because they own a quarter of the security, they say that matters such as schedules are the responsibility of the companies.”