Heathrow Airport is experiencing significant delays at passport control due to a three-day strike by Border Force workers. The strike, involving more than 500 employees, is in response to changes in their work rosters which have been imposed by the British government. These changes could result in the loss of 250 jobs, while remaining staff face longer shifts, inflexible shift-swapping rules, unclear leave booking procedures, and challenges in managing caring responsibilities.
The scene at Heathrow as chaotic, with long lines and widespread confusion among passengers. The PCS union, which represents the striking workers, has launched a petition calling for public and trade union support to pressure Border Force management into abandoning the new roster system. PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote criticized the management’s lack of flexibility and warned that the dispute would continue until reasonable proposals were made.
This strike follows a similar four-day walkout at the end of April over the same issue. In addition to the current strike, there will be three weeks of industrial action that will include a ban on overtime.
The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions, particularly as families return to the UK at the end of the half-term holiday. The government had introduced a new law last year to ensure a minimum level of service during strikes, but it has not been applied in recent industrial actions.
A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged the planned strike and assured that robust plans are in place to minimize disruption and maintain border security. They advised passengers to check with their operators for the latest travel information.
