It seems Her Majesty’s Government has got it through its head (no matter what thinly vield threats it is trying to state through the media) that the UK Public Sector Unions are taking their members out on strike on the 30th November 2011.
And this will impact the UK Border as the members of the UK Border Agency are members of the PCS Union who are joining the day of action.
Civil Servants in Whitehall are being diverted from their normal duties and are being deployed to “Man the Border” on the 30th November.
The UK Borders Agency states:
“The security of the UK border remains our top priority and it is absolutely right we explore all options to ensure we minimise any disruption caused by planned union action.”
It is expected they would mainly check the passports of travellers arriving from the European Economic Area and man so-called “e-gates” where passengers use their biometric passports. No mentioning of how outside EEA Passengers will be handled yet.
As this is Public Sector vs Government imposing its will, it is the usual mud-slinging event that these things turn into. For those who hoped that Border Entry may ease, with the other row regarding how UK Border Security was lowered over the summer – it isn’t going to happen I suspect.
So on the 30th – Expect delays at the UK Border if you’re coming in from abroad
The source of the Public Sector strikes on the 30th November are due to the planned changes to the Public Service Pensions in Councils, Police, NHS and other public sector organisations that result in members paying more in, working longer whilst getting less out.
