Aviation trade union FNV Luchtvaart has issued an ultimatum to three Schiphol passenger and cargo handling firms to meet its demands over a new pay and conditions pact by Thursday at noon or face strike action.

The union sent the  ultimatum to Aviapartner, Menzies Aviation and Swissport, it said in a statement on Tuesday. If the three handling companies do not reach agreement, FNV is threatening to strike during the May school holidays which could result in long delays for passengers at Europe’s third-largest airport.

The talks are stranded on pay, stress and working hours. The FNV claims that wages for the 1,650 employees at the three companies have fallen behind the rate of inflation, resulting in a loss of purchasing power.

‘We want a pay increase of 3% or at least €75 a month, less work pressure by hiring additional staff and healthier work rosters. This is in the interest of all workers, the employees and of Schiphol itself,’ said Stephan Nemchik who works at Menzies Aviation Passage.