30
May
2023
|
12:01
Europe/Amsterdam

Schiphol's response to Labour Inspectorate demands

The inspectorate has held up a mirror that cannot be ignored. It is clear that working conditions at Schiphol must improve. This is also a priority in the new direction we have taken. Employees must have a healthy workplace. Improvements have been made over the years, but things must be done faster and better. As mentioned earlier, when the Labour Inspectorate published their previous report in March, it is unfortunate that we and the sector have not been sufficiently successful in solving this ourselves and that the Labour Inspectorate has to get involved

Ruud Sondag, CEO Schiphol

Measures to reduce emissions 
Schiphol is working on reducing emissions from diesel and aircraft engines. The airport is doing this in constructive consultation with the aviation industry (airlines, ground handlers and air traffic control), FNV (on behalf of the trade unions), the government and knowledge institutions. Schiphol is creating a complete package of measures to minimise employee exposure. This is a complex task because several of the necessary (technological) solutions are not yet available. 

At Schiphol we are working on: 
• Measures on the apron to remove the source of emissions, such as the recently implemented rule to taxi using fewer engines and tighter rules regarding auxiliary engine use. 
• Measures to increase the distance between the source of emissions and employees, such as adjusting departure procedures and providing face masks.  
• Experimental research into cleaning the air on the apron and improving air quality. 

Viewpoint 
Today, the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate published a draft decision with proposed requirements regarding kerosene engine emissions and the improvement of working conditions at Schiphol. Schiphol, other parties in the aviation sector and stakeholders are asked to submit their views on this, after which the Labour Inspectorate will make a decision. Schiphol is going to study the draft decision and submit a viewpoint.