Hundreds of Border Force officers begin four-day strike today

HUNDREDS of Border Force officers at Heathrow airport will launch a four-day strike today in a dispute over working conditions.

PCS union said more than 300 of its members will strike from 5am on until 7am on Friday.

The union said the workers, based at Heathrow’s terminals two, three, four and five, are taking action in protest at plans to introduce new rosters they say would see about 250 of them forced out of their jobs at passport control.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “It’s disappointing that despite talks last week, the Home Office is not prepared to grant any flexibility to their new roster.

“None of our dedicated and highly experienced members in the Border Force want to take strike action, but the way they’ve been treated by their employer leaves them with no option.

“The Home Office still have time to prevent the strike if they agree to abandon this unworkable new system.”

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.”