Border Force staff walk out at Heathrow Airport, causing disruption
- Around 650 Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport have begun a four-day strike over inflexible rosters.
- The union reports that a significant number of workers are experiencing stress, with many taking time off since the new rosters were introduced.
- The Home Office is working to minimize disruption and is open to negotiations with the union to resolve the ongoing issues.
Hundreds of Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport initiated a four-day strike due to ongoing disputes regarding inflexible work rosters. Approximately 650 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union participated in the walkout, highlighting significant stress levels among workers, with research indicating that four in five employees experience work-related stress. The new roster system, implemented in April, has led to over a quarter of staff taking time off for stress or mental health issues, particularly affecting parents' ability to manage childcare responsibilities. The Home Office has acknowledged the situation and stated that plans are in place to minimize disruption at the airport. Officials are open to negotiations with the union to reach a resolution that benefits both staff and the public. Following the strike, Border Force staff will adopt a work-to-rule approach, refusing to work overtime from September 4 to September 22, further impacting operations at the airport. Union representatives have emphasized the need for greater flexibility in work schedules, arguing that fixed shifts would allow employees to better manage their home commitments. General Secretary Fran Heathcote expressed concern over the negative impact of the current roster system on workers' wellbeing, urging management to address these issues promptly. As Border Force is responsible for passport control checks at UK airports, including Heathrow, the strike and subsequent actions could lead to significant delays for travelers. Passengers are advised to stay informed about the latest travel updates and to check with operators before their journeys.