Security personnel at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol are launching a series of 15-minute work stoppages today and tomorrow over ongoing roster and workload disputes, Dutch public broadcaster NOS reports.
According to trade unions FNV and CNV, officers will stop work three times today, Tuesday, August 25, and five times on Wednesday, August 26.
Why Are Security Staff Striking?
The dispute stems from a restructuring of Schiphol’s security operations in May, which reduced the number of hired security companies from five to three. Unions claim the transition resulted in persistent operational issues regarding shift scheduling, break times, leave requests, and chronic understaffing. With negotiations stalling, labor leaders called for targeted action to press management for immediate improvements.
Impact on Travelers
The short walkouts are expected to cause delays and lengthen wait times at security checkpoints.
“Concretely, this means passengers will face longer queues at security control,” said CNV union representative André Quist. “Lanes where guards interrupt their work will temporarily close and only reopen after the 15-minute stoppage.”
Strike Schedule:
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Tuesday, August 25: 10:00–10:15 | 14:00–14:15 | 19:00–19:15
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Wednesday, August 26: 10:00–10:15 | 12:00–12:15 | 14:00–14:15 | 16:00–16:15 | 19:00–19:15
Advice for Passengers
Schiphol management stated it is working to minimize disruption and continuously monitoring security lane flow. Notably, the airport is not advising passengers to arrive earlier than usual, asking travelers to stick to standard airline arrival recommendations—typically two hours prior to European flights and three hours for intercontinental departures.
Unions have warned that further industrial action could follow if working conditions do not improve.
