Baggage and freight companies at Schiphol make their staff carry too much weight and violate the Working Conditions Act. That is what the Labor Inspectorate says to NU.nl. Trade union FNV is now starting a collective lawsuit against the companies because of the health complaints among the staff.
The case follows news from the NOS in september. At the time, this showed that the baggage companies were aware of the health risks of the heavy work.
At that time, the Labor Inspectorate had not been to Schiphol for an inspection for twelve years. The Labor Inspectorate trusted that the baggage companies would comply with agreements on the use of lifting aids, among other things.
Checks have now been carried out again and the Inspectorate has come to the conclusion that the work is much too physically demanding. The companies also violate the Working Conditions Act, according to the Labor Inspectorate.
After the reports in September, FNV opened a hotline for personnel who had carried out too heavy lugging work for years. Five months later, the union received 400 reports. “They are now faced with all kinds of complaints. We are now going to address the companies about this,” FNV director David van de Geer said.
The union is now preparing the case with the employees who have reported. FNV wants to hold the companies liable and ensure that the affected employees receive compensation. “In addition, this lawsuit should bring about change at Schiphol, because the physical strain is still too heavy,” says Van de Geer.
