The PCS union announced that more than 600 Border Force staff will be on strike for four days next month, from April 11 to 14, 2024.
When the border staff was on strike last time, the UK government brought in the army and some other staff to man the desks, and the experience for those entering the country was smooth (perhaps even smoother than during non-strike times).
🚨BREAKING
Strike dates announced at Heathrow Airport
More than 600 Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport will walk out for four days from 11 April.
Read more: https://t.co/OzkNLh7nUi#PCSonStrike pic.twitter.com/UK4pPZ1Dt6— PCS Union (@pcs_union) March 28, 2024
Public and Commercial Services Union Statement
Strike dates announced at Heathrow Airport
More than 600 Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport will walk out for four days from 11 April.
In a ballot that closed last week, PCS members who carry out immigration controls and passport checks at Heathrow airport voted by 90% to walk out over a new roster and imposed changes to shift patterns.
The changes could see as many as 250 staff forced out of their jobs by the end of April and will particularly affect workers with disabilities or those with caring responsibilities.
The nearly 600 PCS members will strike for four days on 11, 12, 13 and 14 April.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Ministers have fourteen days to withdraw these unfair and unnecessary proposals or our members at Heathrow will take strike action.
“Consultation with staff has been a farce, with our members having little or no choice about the new arrangements.
“Ripping up flexible working arrangements is no way to treat staff especially, as the government says, their work is critical to our nation’s security.
“Some members are heart-broken that the Border Force has become ‘unprofessional and inhumane’.
“If the government is serious about border security, it should look at Border Force officers’ job security, look after its staff, scrap the changes and work with us to protect jobs and working conditions.”
Conclusion
The UK government threw money at the issue last time and kept immigration running smoothly, but obviously, the army and other temporary staff cannot handle Heathrow immigration for an extended period.
So, if the previous strike is any indication, most travelers won’t notice this action taking place next month.
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