Heathrow Border Force Vote in favour of strike action

[YorkRailFan]

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said 600 of its members, who carry out immigration controls and passport checks, voted 90% in favour of industrial action.

No dates have been announced for any strike action, but walkouts could begin as soon as 8 April, the union said.

A Home Office spokesperson said it had "robust plans" to minimise delays.

The union said its members were angry at planned alterations to their shift patterns that would have a detrimental effect on them and leave nearly 250 without jobs on passport control.

If they refused to accept the new contracts they would be forced to seek jobs elsewhere in the Home Office, the PCS said.

'Unnecessary changes'
Union general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "It's clear from today's ballot result how angry and determined our members are to protect their jobs.

"It's not too late for the Home Office to do the decent thing and drop these unnecessary changes and work with the union to protect jobs and working conditions.

"PCS is currently challenging the government's minimum service levels legislation in the courts.

"We will vigorously defend our members' right to strike if ministers try to impose a work notice."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "As the public would expect, our priority is to keep our citizens safe and our borders secure.

"We are working closely with Heathrow Airport and have robust plans in place to minimise any delays from planned strike action.

"We will deploy suitable resources to meet critical demand and support the flow of passengers and goods through our border."

Border Force at Heathrow Airport vote to strike - BBC News

Staff carrying out immigration controls and passport checks may walk out from 8 April.

www.bbc.co.uk

When I flew through Heathrow in December 2022, there was a border force strike on. The E-Gates were a life saver and allowed a speedy customs process. The army was also brought in to man the desks. A strike on 8th April would be particularly damaging, which is the point, as it is the Easter holidays.

The strike due to start next week has been suspended in an attempt to seek further negotiations with the Home Office.
Following roster changes that could see as many as 250 staff forced out of their jobs by the end of April, more than 600 Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport were due to strike on 11, 12, 13 and 14 April.
In the notice issued to the Home Office on 28 March of our intention to induce members to strike, PCS outlined which Border Force roles would be participating. Following the Home Office’s desire for clarification and in a spirit of collaboration, PCS has suspended the planned strikes.
Until now, the Home Office has refused to withdraw its proposals or to amend the new roster in any meaningful way. An overwhelming 90% of members voted for strike action, knowing that they deserve better from their employer.
The suspension of the strike gives the Home Office the opportunity to resolve the dispute. If there is no progress in the talks, strike action will take place.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said:
“This is a significant move on the part of PCS that demonstrates a genuine will to work constructively in devising a new roster system that is acceptable to our members, particularly those with disabilities or those with caring responsibilities.
“This does not end the dispute. It is an opportunity for the Home Office to demonstrate they are genuinely seeking a resolution.”

Heathrow Border Force strike suspended

The strike due to start next week has been suspended in an attempt to seek further negotiations with the Home Office.

www.pcs.org.uk

Strike action has been suspended, very positive news for those traveling back to the UK after the Easter Holidays this week.