Schiphol charts new path on terminal cleaning
Schiphol Airport has announced plans to secure new long-term contracts with GOM, Hago Airport Services, and Victoria for cleaning services in its terminal and baggage areas.
The contracts are part of Schiphol’s strategy to enhance cleanliness and improve the passenger experience, with a focus on the well-being of cleaning staff.
In a provisional award of the contract, the airport emphasised that the quality of service for both travellers and employees was the top priority during the tender process.
Schiphol said it was committed to working closely with cleaning firms and their staff to ensure high standards are met across the terminal.
A key part of the new agreements is Schiphol’s pledge to improve working conditions, as outlined in a social contract between the airport and unions. This includes ensuring fair wages, providing enough time to complete tasks, and covering travel costs for workers commuting to and from the airport.
The initiative is seen as a step towards creating a better working environment, as Schiphol aims to balance passenger satisfaction with staff welfare, marking a shift towards more socially responsible outsourcing.
“We are aware that tendering is an intensive and tense process for companies and employees,” said Esmé Valk, Executive Director Human Resources at Royal Schiphol Group.
“New contracts mean that some employees will have a new employer or will work in another part of the terminal. We realise that this has a big impact on people because it’s a significant change.
“After the final awarding of the contracts, current employees will receive an offer from the chosen parties.
“This is also stipulated in the national collective bargaining agreement for the cleaning sector. It is important that employees receive proper guidance in this change in the coming period. We are in close contact with the companies and unions about this.”
