Trade union FNV has warned that it will be a ‘hot summer’ at Schiphol airport unless improvements in working conditions are made as a matter of urgency.

The union has written to the airport’s chief executive Dick Benschop with a list of demands and a deadline, and accuses the airport group of ignoring the chaos and shortage of staff for too long.

Benschop issued his apologies for the problems of the past few weeks to reporters and on a television talk show on Tuesday evening, but warned more problems could be expected at peak periods.

The union says workers should have the right to better training, 10 days consecutive holiday and a minimum wage of €14 per hour.  In addition, 80% of the employment contracts at the airport should be permanent.

Officials at other airports in the Netherlands say hopes that some flights can be transferred from Schiphol are unlikely to be realised because they are also booked full during the summer period.