Heathrow Airport strikes: Border Force passport control walkouts

Heathrow Airport passport control workers begin four days of strike action at Heathrow on Monday (April 29).

Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) members working for the government’s Border Force agency are taking the action in a dispute over a new roster.

The PCS says around 250 members are being forced out of their current jobs on passport control as the Home Office has indicated it will no longer accommodate their contractual flexible working arrangements, reasonable adjustments, or “legacy” contractual terms on the new roster.

The Home Office said: “Robust plans are in place to minimise disruption where possible.”

In a statement, the PCS said: “There is anger at the rigidity of the new roster with many members saying it won’t work.

“The strike action comes because of the employer’s failure to enter into meaningful negotiations with PCS, and lack of willingness to offer any movement on their plans.

“The members are committed to the action and expect that their walkouts will disrupt passport checks for travellers coming into the UK at Heathrow airport.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike but remain open to discussing a resolution with the PCS.

“The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at all other major ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns and improve the service to the travelling public.

“We have robust plans in place to minimise disruption where possible, but we urge passengers to check the latest advice from operators before they travel.”

The strike will start with a picket line at the Nene Road roundabout near Heathrow from 8am on Monday.