Hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport have initiated a four-day strike, beginning at 05:00 BST and scheduled to conclude on Thursday. This action, undertaken by
members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS), stems from a dispute regarding working conditions and their opposition to proposed new rotas.
The PCS indicated that over 300 members would participate in the strike, impacting operations across Heathrow terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The Home Office expressed disappointment at the strike but affirmed its willingness to engage in discussions to seek a resolution.
Heathrow Airport has stated its support for the Home Office's contingency plans, assuring passengers that eGates will remain operational, although some longer queue times may be encountered.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote emphasized that the strike action was a regrettable necessity due to the Home Office's refusal to provide flexibility regarding the new rota system, which could potentially force approximately 250 members out of their passport control jobs.
In response, a Home Office spokesperson defended the proposed changes, highlighting their alignment with working practices at other ports and the aim to enhance service delivery to travelers. While measures are in place to minimize disruption, passengers are advised to check for the latest travel advice from operators before their journeys. Photo by Ed Webster, Wikimedia commons.
