Heathrow Airport: Border Force staff set to go on strike

Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport will walk out from 29 April to 2 May

Hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport are planning to strike for four days, a union has announced.

More than 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union are set to walk out from Monday to Thursday in a dispute over working conditions.

The strike will impact Heathrow terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The Home Office said it was "disappointed" in the union's decision to strike, but was open to "discussing a resolution".

A spokesperson for the airport said it was supporting the Home Office with "contingency plans".

"eGates will be open as usual, and most journeys should be unaffected. However, some longer queue times may be experienced," they said.

'Forced out' of jobs

PCS said the action was over plans to introduce new rotas that would see about 250 of members "forced out of their jobs at passport control".

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "Our members are angry and disappointed at being forced out of their jobs.

"While not everyone will be affected, the changes will disproportionately hit those who are disabled or have caring responsibilities.

"The Home Office should be doing all it can to retain experienced, trained staff - not lose them by introducing an unworkable new roster system."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at other ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns, and improve the service to the travelling public.

"Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority and we have robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption."

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