Heathrow border agents to go on strike

Border Force agents at London’s Heathrow Airport are set to strike from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

According to BBC News, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said the three-day strike “will likely cause serious disruption,” while the Home Office said it has “robust plans in place to minimize disruption where possible.”

Following the strike days, members of the union will work-to-rule, which includes refusing overtime, until Sept. 22.

The 650 PCS members are in a dispute, which began in April, over what the union calls “enforced changes to terms and conditions,” including the introduction of “inflexible rosters.”

“Our hard-working members at Heathrow take great pride in keeping our country’s border safe, but many are being forced out of the job they love,” said PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote, noting that staff are being told to “choose between caring responsibilities and their job.”

“We know our strike action is likely to cause serious disruption to travellers using Heathrow at the end of the summer,” she continued. “But the strike can be avoided if the employer listens to the concerns of our members.”

“We appreciate the tireless work that Border Force do to keep our borders safe and secure, and we are committed to continuing our conversations with the union so we can find an agreement that works for both the public and staff,” a Home Office spokesperson told BBC News.

They also said that passengers should check with their travel operators before travelling.

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