Border Force is going on strike this December.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced eight says of strikes at London Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff airports between December 23 and New Year’s Eve.
Serwotka: we have today agreed to serve notice on the Home Office. #PCSONSTRIKE pic.twitter.com/WgXekE4clJ
— PCS Union (@pcs_union) December 7, 2022
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said:
“The government cannot expect us to accept 2 per cent when inflation is over 11 per cent. Our ballot covers 124 government departments. These strikes represent only a handful of those. So our dispute will escalate if the money isn’t put on the table.”
The Mirror says that “The Government has put 600 military personnel and civil servants on standby to deal with the potential disruption.”
This comes after the BBC reported that baggage handlers at Heathrow airport will go on strike from December 16, with a 72-hour strike action affecting flights operated by ten major airlines from Terminals 2, 3 and 4.
See the forum post: Heathrow baggage handler strikes planned
In addition there are extensive strikes across the rail network, affecting services to many airports.
“Following the recent announcement of Industrial Action by RMT members we are now working closely with the wider rail industry to determine how this will affect our train service.
The rail network is expected to be severely reduced on affected dates.
Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 December 2022
Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023
Days surrounding strike days may also be affected. More information will be published when known.”
Thameslink which serves the airport along with Luton Airport will also be affected.
Eurostar is also likely to suffer disruption
Eurostar strike adds to pre-Christmas rail disruption
(Financial Times) – Security staff employed by Mitie set for walkout on December 16, 18, 22 and 23
