Harbers: Number of baggage handlers at Schiphol down from six to three


In comparison with different European airports, Schiphol has a comparatively massive variety of baggage handlers. In consequence, airline firms can select from many choices and prices stay low, says Harbers. Then again, based on the minister, this could even have damaging penalties for high quality and dealing circumstances.

Final yr, dissatisfaction with the working circumstances on the dealing with firms and a scarcity of personnel precipitated main issues at Schiphol. Within the spring, baggage handlers went on wildcat strikes. That turned out to be the harbinger of a summer time stuffed with delays, lengthy queues on the baggage verify and vacationers lacking their flights.

The marketplace for dealing with just isn’t working optimally for the time being, Harbers reviews on the idea of analysis he commissioned. In keeping with the researchers, halving the variety of handlers is one of the best ways to enhance security, high quality, effectiveness and effectivity. In that case, further agreements should be made between Schiphol and the dealing with firms, they advise.

Harbers says he understands that the plans may have important penalties for the luggage firms and their employees. That’s the reason he desires to offer events the chance to reply to his proposal throughout a so-called session interval. He doesn’t need to make a remaining choice till the autumn. After that, a European tender will begin to choose future dealing with firms. The plan should be carried out by 2025.

The FNV says it’s enthusiastic concerning the measure. “This can be a good first step to place the standard of labor above the worth of personnel,” says the union. Nevertheless, “enforceable social requirements” should be agreed and clear agreements should be made to restrict the workload.

The union additionally states {that a} transition to a different employer may be troublesome. That’s the reason the plans on this regard needs to be laid down in additional concrete phrases. “The corporate that wins the tender should take over the personnel of different firms. Whereas retaining the phrases of employment. Clear further agreements should be made concerning the switch of endeavor,” continues FNV.