For those who live in the UK and are suffering the squeeze thanks to various factors, striking is always the last option. It seems that the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) – which represents the UK Border staff has chosen industrial action over the festive period.
Don’t expect things to be this calm if PCS Union staff walk.
According to the PCS union, Border Force officers at locations in England, Scotland and Wales are to take strike action for eight days over Christmas.
PCS members employed by the Home Office on passport control will take action at the following locations:
- London Heathrow
- London Gatwick
- Manchester Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Cardiff Airport
- Glasgow airports
They will strike on December 23, 24, 25, 26 28, 29 and 30 and 31.
Members will also strike at the port of Newhaven on the same dates.
The strike comes after 100,000 PCS members in 214 government departments and other public bodies voted to take strike action over a 10% pay rise, pensions justice, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms.
Impact
Unless the PCS Union and Her Majesties Governmental agencies come to an agreement, EXPECT HEAVY DELAYS AT THE UK BORDER AT THE AIRPORTS ABOVE.
Suella Braverman (allegedly the Home Secretary who breaches information protocols and enjoys name-calling in rants, whilst running away from blame) has warned that “Ultimately, security at the border is my number one non-negotiable priority.”
That means queues and delays at the Border, as the remaining staff who are drafted in over the holiday, as well as the army be drafted to to cover.
Airlines have been approached for comment by other news sources (such as the BBC, Sky News, Guardian, The Independent and so on)
In Quotes
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said:
“The government can stop these strikes tomorrow if it puts money on the table.
“Like so many workers, our members are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. They are desperate. They are being told there is no money for them, while they watch ministers giving out government contracts worth billions of pounds to their mates.
“Some sections of the media have accused us of playing politics with these strikes. Let me be clear: our dispute is with the employer.
“We will fight to improve our members’ pay, terms and conditions regardless of who is in Downing Street.”
In a statement to the media, Suella Braverman. Home Secretary said:
“If they go ahead with those strikes there will be undeniable, serious disruption caused to many thousands of people who have holiday plans.
“I really want to urge people who have got plans to travel abroad to think carefully about their plans because they may well be impacted.”
“It’s very regrettable that they have made this decision to potentially strike over critical times in the run-up and following Christmas and the New Year.”
The winter of discontent is in full swing.
For those who are away from the UK, we have multiple sectors out on strike in the run-up to the festive season – all striking. And it’s multiple sectors, including:
- Rail (Network Rail, Train operators and Eurostar).
- Post (Royal Mail)
- Nurses
- Ambulance Workers in England and Wales
- Highway workers
- Driving Examiners
Suffice to say, people aren’t happy at the moment.
If you are planning to cross the UK Border over the festive period – or even plan to connect through one of the airports, you might want to rethink your plans, as you could find yourself stuck in queues whilst you wait to enter the country.
With workers and unions annoyed, it’s a recipe for trouble.
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