Hundreds of Heathrow Border Force officers to start four-day strike
More than 300 workers will take action over plans to introduce rosters that could force 250 of them out of jobs
Hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow airport will begin a four-day strike on Monday in a dispute over working conditions.
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said more than 300 of its members will walk out from 5am on Monday to 7am on Friday.
The union said the workers, based at Heathrow terminals two, three, four and five, are protesting against plans to introduce rosters they say would force about 250 of them out of their jobs at passport control.
The union’s general secretary, Fran Heathcote, said: “It’s disappointing that despite talks last week, the Home Office is not prepared to grant any flexibility to their new roster.
“None of our dedicated and highly experienced members in the Border Force want to take strike action but the way they’ve been treated by their employer leaves them with no option.
“The Home Office still have time to prevent tomorrow’s strike if they agree to abandon this unworkable new system.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike but remain open to discussing a resolution with the PCS.
“The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at all other major ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns and improve the service to the travelling public.
“We have robust plans in place to minimise disruption where possible, but we urge passengers to check the latest advice from operators before they travel.”
The Home Office has not applied to use a recently passed law aimed at guaranteeing a minimum level of service during strikes.
Lisa Webb, Which? consumer law expert, said: “Travellers will understandably be concerned about upcoming strikes and what this could mean for them. If you are travelling in or out of Heathrow on these days, be prepared for longer queues and delays.
“Travellers should also ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance from the date they book their trip and check the policy carefully: not all will cover them in the event of strikes by airline or airport staff, for example.”
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