Conclusion of study into employees' experiences at Schiphol: there's work to be done
Joint press release Schiphol, CNV and FNV
Schiphol collaborated with 12 employers and trade unions CNV and FNV to carry out a study into the experiences of employees at the airport. Almost 1,600 employees took part in the study, which was conducted by TNO. The results show that improvements are needed in the areas of work pressure, behaviour and the culture surrounding safety to ensure that Schiphol is a good, safe and attractive place to work. This is the first of a recurring study in this format.
The study fulfilled one of the commitments in the social agreement that was concluded between Schiphol Group and trade unions CNV and FNV. Employees working in security, passenger and baggage handling, and (bus) transport took part in the study.
Most important findings
The study revealed that improvements are needed in the areas of work pressure, behaviour, safety culture and health. The results show, for example, that 38% of employees who participated in the study indicated that their workload was high. Furthermore, 36% of employees experience unwanted behaviour at work, mainly caused by passengers. Some employees indicated that they have less time and attention than they'd like for properly adhering to the work safety rules, and 36% said they (fully) agree with the statement that management prioritises safety, even if it means that the work takes longer. The study also showed that two thirds of employees are satisfied with their work.
Unfortunately, we are not surprised by the results. But it is still shocking to read how things are in practice at Schiphol today. People on the work floor regularly face very tough conditions. These call for firm measures and a clear plan of action in which all parties involved take responsibility. That certainly includes Schiphol, as the contracting party. The health of every employee must count in the decisions that Schiphol makes.
The results among these 1,600 Schiphol workers are appalling; work pressure is too high, the safety culture is inadequate and workers regularly have to deal with nuisance passengers. FNV has been warning about the effects of the race to the bottom at Schiphol since 2015, and these warnings are confirmed by the study's results. Schiphol, FNV and CNV have taken steps as part of the Social Agreement from 2022 to reverse that race to the bottom. These incisive results now make it clear that more needs to be done, forcing employers and Schiphol to take action to ensure a pleasant and safe workplace. Fighting symptoms is no use, we need to tackle these problems at the root - the worker must come first.
Schiphol is a unique, but also complex workplace. It is important to us that we know what employees come up against in their work. This study gives us a clear impression and emphasises the need for us, as an employer, contracting party and work location, to continue improving. We are doing that together with employers, trade unions and employees. I see in everyone a great commitment to take the necessary steps with us. We have already taken steps to improve working conditions, and this study will help us further. We want Schiphol to be a people-oriented and attractive place where everyone can enjoy working.
Much to be done
Schiphol, employers and unions will soon be getting to work on the results. The first meeting took place today. Both this joint initiative and the outcomes highlight the importance of working together to create a good working environment, with each party taking responsibility. Employees are closely involved, so that they are central to improvements. This was the first study of its kind and by repeating the survey in the coming years, the parties will monitor progress and continue to work on a better workload and increased satisfaction.
We can only really change things if we work together. This is precisely why it is so valuable that we carried out this survey with all parties. It not only brings the problem areas into focus, but also the common will to make improvements.
If we want to keep Schiphol's future safe, pleasant and workable, we must not only look at numbers, but at people. This study helps us do that; it provides the insight and support needed to take sustainable steps in the right direction.
A summary of the study can be found in the attachment.