UK travellers are facing more travel disruption over the Christmas period with Border Force staff due to go on strike for eight days at several major airports.
The PCS union has announced that its members employed by the Home Office on passport control at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow airports would walk out from 23-26 December and then 28-31 December. The union is in dispute with the UK government over pay.
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.”
The Business Travel Association said the planned strikes by Border Force workers “puts British workers’ Christmases at risk”.
“Hard workers up and down the country will be stranded, struggling to get home,” added the BTA in a statement. “The entire travel support system will once more be plunged into dealing with cancellations and disruptions rather than bookings with no financial recompense.
“We urge the government and unions to come together to ensure there aren’t unnecessary empty chairs at this year’s Christmas table.”
Travellers will still be able to use the automatic eGates to scan their passports at the affected airports during the strike. These can be utilised by British citizens and those from the EU, among others.