Heathrow Border Force officers to strike in September

Hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport are set to take industrial action for 23 days, starting from August 31, in response to ongoing disputes regarding changes to their employment terms. Approximately 650 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will strike from August 31 to September 3, followed by a work-to-rule period until September 22. The conflict stems from a new roster implemented in April, which the union claims has led to a lack of flexibility and forced many staff to alter their working hours. PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote expressed concern over the impact of these changes, stating that many officers are being compelled to choose between their jobs and personal responsibilities. The union has reported that around 160 staff members have left the Border Force due to these enforced changes. Heathcote emphasized that the strike action aims to highlight the serious disruption it may cause to travelers during the busy end-of-summer holiday period, urging the employer to address the concerns of their members. In preparation for the strike, the Home Office has indicated that it will work closely with Border Force to implement contingency measures. Reports suggest that soldiers have been trained to assist with passport checks, although the training period has been notably brief. The Home Office has acknowledged the dedication of Border Force staff and expressed a commitment to ongoing discussions with the union to reach a resolution. As the strike approaches, the potential for significant delays and disruptions at Heathrow looms, particularly for families returning from holidays. The situation reflects broader tensions within the public sector, as other unions, including train drivers, also announce strike actions over various grievances.