Airport security struggles lead to missed flights at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Last week, airport security personnel made headlines due to unusually long wait times at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Many travelers reported a lack of available security lanes, resulting in some missing their flights.

Jussi Päiviö, a contract specialist at the Union of Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL), noted that the field, popular among young adults, is struggling with high turnover and a labor shortage. He explained that the job of a security inspector is perceived as demanding, with salaries deemed insufficient. A newly hired full-time security inspector earns just over €2,000 per month. Consequently, the profession is often viewed as a “transitional position,” leading to a lack of commitment to the role.

Worker retention is a common reason for security personnel to reach out to their trade union. Päiviö pointed out that the sector experiences high rates of sick leave. “The workload and overtime accumulate for those who don’t have significant health issues,” he said.

Security inspectors have also expressed fears of violence in situations that require them to conduct closer, one-on-one checks with customers. “They have reported facing serious threats in those instances,” Päiviö added. Furthermore, he mentioned inconsistent management, where employees may sometimes be denied breaks during peak times, negatively impacting their morale.

In a move to understand the challenges faced by airport security inspectors, the union has engaged in collecting feedback from workers, which includes personal demographic information to ensure diverse perspectives are heard.