Enhanced Airport Security Measures Implemented in Dusseldorf for Worker Safety
At Dusseldorf Airport on Wednesday, a group of service providers' employees staged a vigil, standing near a gym ball and a banner that read "Protect the backs of workers! They are the pillars of the airport" and "Inadequate workplace safety is a security risk. Replace defective equipment immediately."
Their concern revolves around workplace safety issues in the check-in, boarding, and lost & found areas, which they allege are not being addressed. They draw attention to the check-in counters, shared by various service providers. They argue that since these counters are rented by the airport to the service providers, the airport has a responsibility to ensure proper equipment. However, some of the chairs are reportedly 20 years old and in poor condition, posing health risks to the employees and leading to a high sick leave rate.
New chairs have been installed, but employees claim they have not been instructed on how to adjust them correctly. The vigil, organized by employees from AHS Dusseldorf, Acciona Airport Service, AAS Dusseldorf, and Aviapartner, also criticized poor hygiene in the toilets and the dust problem. They assert that these issues persist despite being reported and despite a trade complaint having been filed.
In response to the criticism, the airport stated that workplace safety and good working conditions are of utmost importance to them. They maintain regular dialogue with partners and respond promptly to reports of defects in rented areas, furniture, and equipment.
The ongoing dispute between the employees and the airport follows a pattern of safety and equipment issues faced by public sector workers, including those at German airports. These issues, compounded by bureaucratic delays, insufficient funding, and complicated multi-stakeholder coordination, have resulted in recurring labor disputes and strikes.
Regardless of the ongoing negotiations, the airport has increased its cleaning budget and assured immediate replacement of rented furniture that is damaged. The toilets are cleaned as needed, with individual reports of dirt being addressed promptly.
- The employees at Dusseldorf Airport are urging the industry, including science, finance, and the aerospace sector, to acknowledge the health-and-wellness concerns in their workplace, specifically focusing on fitness-and-exercise equipment and workplace safety.
- The issue of inadequate equipment, such as 20-year-old chairs in the check-in areas, is not only a health risk but also a security concern, as it leads to a high sick leave rate among workers, who are the pillars of the airport.
- Despite the airport's commitment to workplace wellness and good working conditions, the employees have criticized the lack of instruction on adjusting the new chairs, as well as ongoing issues with poor hygiene in the toilets and the dust problem.
- The employees, represented by organizations like AHS Dusseldorf, Acciona Airport Service, AAS Dusseldorf, and Aviapartner, believe that these recurring problems, coupled with bureaucratic delays, insufficient funding, and complicated multi-stakeholder coordination, call for immediate attention and action from the airport and the relevant industry sectors.
