Judge OKs Dutch baggage handlers strike

Amsterdam, Netherlands -- A strike of baggage handlers at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands would not jeopardize airport security, a judge in Amsterdam ruled.

In giving a green light the strike, some 500 baggage handlers working for Menzies Aviation were set to walk off the job Friday to push their demand for a 3.5 percent pay increase, Radio Netherlands, Expatica, reported.

The company had offered a 1.5 percent raise, the report said.

The work stoppage was timed to coincide with May vacations, but would not increase security concerns or cause significant damage, the judge ruled.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.