The Royal Schiphol Group and staff unions, FNV and CNV, have agreed on pay and enhanced working conditions to improve the quality of work for employees at the airport. This agreement consists of two main components: extending and eventually discontinuing the labor market supplement and implementing structural measures and agreements for work at Schiphol. The unions have now presented this agreement to their members, ensuring a transparent process.
“All employees at Schiphol have a hugely important role in providing travelers with an enjoyable experience. We believe that everyone at Schiphol should be able to earn a living wage and that Schiphol should be a pleasant and inspiring place to work. That involves good terms and conditions of employment and a safe and healthy working environment. The agreement makes an important contribution to that,” says Esmé Valk, HR Director at Royal Schiphol Group.
Extension of Labour Market Supplement
Schiphol is extending the labor market supplement it pays its employees at the airport until 31 December 2024. Employees in roles such as security staff, cleaners, and those assisting people with reduced mobility or using private bus transportation will receive an additional gross amount of €1.40 per hour worked until 1 September 2024. This equals approximately €200 per month for full-time positions. From 1 September 2024 to 31 December 2024, the supplement will be reduced to €0.70 per hour and will then end.
The decision to end the supplement considers wage settlements in collective labor agreements and salary developments. This ensures that employees will not experience a loss compared to the current arrangement, as salaries will catch up to the amount paid by Schiphol.
Improved Working Conditions for Schiphol Staff
Schiphol, FNV, and CNV have agreed to improve the working conditions at the airport. This agreement focuses on enhancing the quality of work through principles of cooperation and a supplier code of conduct. This code will ensure that employees are not responsible for covering commuting expenses and will set minimum requirements or criteria for work quality when awarding contracts for labor-intensive projects.
Schiphol is improving rest areas and bathroom facilities to create a better working environment. The airport also prioritizes recruiting female security personnel for a balanced gender ratio. Furthermore, efforts are being made to maximize the utilization of security companies’ permanent staff.
‘We have a nice and even improved agreement, which offers perspective to large groups of employees at Schiphol for a longer period. The labour market supplement will remain intact for another year, which could save around 200 euros a month. The agreement also contains important agreements on reducing the pressure of work and improving the work-life balance. There will be better rosters and a right to unavailability. We are satisfied with this,” said Erik Maas, CNV Vakmensen.
The collaboration between Schiphol and staff unions will continue to strengthen the social dialogue structure, aiming to improve working conditions at Schiphol.