Security screening personnel at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport will this week launch a series of short work stoppages and deliberate slowdowns, escalating a dispute over mounting workloads and staffing levels.
Rolling stoppages to hit security lanes
Starting Tuesday morning, members of the CNV union will intermittently halt screening operations for up to two hours at a time, and intentionally reduce the rate at which passengers are processed. The union says such “priority actions” are necessary to pressure airport management into addressing chronic under-resourcing.
Key demands from security staff
- 450 additional security officers to match rising passenger volumes
- An end to compulsory overtime and short-notice shift changes
- Improved rostering practices to prevent burnout
- A formal review of performance targets that staff say are unachievable
Airport management responds
Schiphol’s operator has acknowledged long queues this summer but insists it has recruited 200 extra screeners since January and introduced automated security lanes. In a statement, it expressed regret over the planned actions and urged the union to return to the negotiating table immediately.
Potential impact on travellers
While no flights are expected to be cancelled, airlines warn that check-in and security waiting times could double during stoppages, especially during peak hours. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 3½ hours before departure and to check their airline’s updates for any scheduling changes.
Broader context
Schiphol handled a record 75 million passengers last year, up nearly 20% on 2024, but security staff numbers have grown by less than 5%. The labour action follows warnings from staff that surging passenger flows have made existing staffing levels unsustainable, leading to fatigue and service bottlenecks.
Transport Minister Mark Harbers has urged both sides to find a swift compromise, warning that prolonged disruptions could damage the airport’s reputation and ripple through Europe’s air network.
