Border Force officials to walk out for four days over February half-term
James ChappleBorder Force officials will stage a further four-day walkout this month in an ongoing dispute with the government over pay, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has confirmed.
Around 1,000 officials at four ports – Dover, Calais, Coquelles and Dunkirk – will strike over 17-20 February. PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said the action "would impact people returning from their holidays".
A Home Office spokesperson warned travellers to prepare for disruption. The confirmation of further strike action follows two separate walkouts by Border Force officials at six UK airports, as well as Newhaven ferry port, over Christmas and in the run up to new year.
It also comes as upwards of 500,000 people across several sectors, including train drivers and civil servants, prepare to stage mass industrial action on Wednesday (1 February).
This includes Border Force officials at the four ferry ports set to be affected by half-term action. Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across government are being trained to step in at maritime ports and airports, if required.
The Home Office insists Border Force is ready to deploy resource "to meet critical demand" and "support the flow of travellers and goods through the border". "However, those entering the UK should be prepared for potential disruption," it added.
Serwotka said the action over 17-20 February would pose additional challenges for a stand-in work force owing to there being roles requiring cover on the continent.
He said the government must come forward and put additional cash on the table, alleging its current pay offer is still far below the rate of inflation.
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