Heathrow Border Force strike: Officers to walk out for four days as union protests against job cuts

16 April 2024, 15:51 | Updated: 16 April 2024, 22:02

Hundreds of Border Force officers will go on strike at Heathrow Airport later this month.

They will walk out for four days over changes to their working conditions, according to the Public and Commercial Services trade union.

The union said more than 300 of its members working at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the airport will walk out from 29 April to 2 May.

Around 250 of them will lose their jobs at passport control under new roster plans, the union says.

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."

Strikes planned for last week were suspended amid hopes of talks to resolve the row, but the union has now reinstated industrial action.

The Home Office said it was "disappointed" with the union's decision but added it remains "open to discussing a resolution".

It added: "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."

(c) Sky News 2024: Heathrow Border Force strike: Officers to walk out for four days as union protests against job cuts