Heathrow Airport will be facing potential disruptions at the end of the month as 650 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, who are Border Force officers, have announced a 23-day strike. The strike action is scheduled to begin on 31 August and continue until 3 September, followed by a work-to-rule period from 4 September to 22 September. This means that no overtime will be undertaken and no extra work beyond contractual requirements will be done during this time.
The ongoing dispute between the union and management revolves around changes to terms and conditions, specifically the implementation of rigid rosters. The PCS has stated that these changes have adversely affected part-time and partially retired staff, who are being forced to alter their working hours and practices. Additionally, new staff members are reportedly having their requests for flexible work denied.
Although there have been previous threats of strikes, this is the first time in recent years that a strike has actually been announced. The PCS general secretary, Fran Heathcote, expressed concern over the impact this strike may have on travelers, but emphasized that it could be avoided if the employer listens to the concerns of their members. The union also highlighted that 160 staff members have left the Border Force due to the lack of flexibility, causing a strain on the remaining workforce.
Heathrow Airport, being the busiest airport in the UK and the largest in Europe, is expected to experience significant disruptions during this strike period. In response, Heathrow management has stated that they will work closely with the Border Force to implement contingency measures. The Home Office, which oversees the Border Force, has been contacted for comment on the matter. In the meantime, travelers are advised to check for any updates or changes to their flights during this period.
