There will be a walkout by hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport from August 31 to September 3, according to the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.The 650 union members will then abstain from working overtime through September 22 in an ongoing disagreement over terms and circumstances that have been imposed. The union stated on Friday that this includes the implementation of rigid schedules, which started in April. One of the busiest airports in the world is Heathrow Airport, located in west London.The 650 union members will then abstain from working overtime through September 22 in an ongoing disagreement over terms and circumstances that have been imposed. The union stated on Friday that this includes the implementation of rigid schedules, which started in April. West London's Heathrow Airport is one of the world's biggest airport.
According to PCS, about 160 employees have departed the Border Force as a result of the adjustments; 82% of these employees have been told they cannot continue in their existing positions, while part-timers and employees who are partially retired are being compelled to modify their working hours and procedures. The union asserted that new hires are having their applications for flexible work schedules rejected. "Our hard-working members at Heathrow take great pride in keeping our country's border safe," stated PCS national secretary Fran Heathcote, "but many are being forced out of the job they love." Managers are forcing them to choose between their work and their caring duties, which is completely unconscionable. They are only being compelled to make a decision because their managers are doing so.
“We know our strike action is likely to cause serious disruption to travellers using Heathrow at the end of the summer, but the strike can be avoided if the employer listens to the concerns of our members.”
Heathrow Airport said it has previously worked closely with Border Force to “support their contingencies during strike periods, which have seen passengers continue to travel smoothly”.