Border Force strike 'will mean flight cancellations' as well as delays

Manchester airport called the threatened action “hugely regrettable” and warned: “Unfortunately, we expect it will be necessary for airlines to cancel some services on the days impacted by strike action to ensure the number of arriving passengers aligns with lower UK Border Force resources.”

The spokesperson added: “We will be working with our airlines to provide passengers with as much advance notice of cancelled services as possible, so that people have the chance to rebook their travel around the strike days.

“Arriving passengers should also be prepared for much longer immigration queues on strike days, owing to reduced Border Force staffing levels. Those due to travel during the affected period should look out for communications from their airlines over the coming days.”

Manchester is waiting to hear from immigration officials in the coming days.

The airport’s spokesperson added: “We are expecting UK Border Force to give clear guidance to affected airports on the level of resources they can provide on each of the strike days.  We will then work with our airlines to agree the flying schedule that we can operate safely.”
 
However, Heathrow and Gatwick played down the likely impact.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Our priority is to ensure passengers get through the border safely and as quickly as possible. We are working closely with airlines and Border Force on mitigation plans for potential strike action by Border Force officers and these plans will now be implemented for the notified days. 

“The Home Office advises that immigration and customs checks may take longer during peak times on strike days, and Heathrow will support Border Force to minimise these impacts with the aim of processing passengers through the border as efficiently as possible.

“Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before travelling. We encourage all parties to resolve this dispute quickly.”

Gatwick said it expected flights to “operate as normal” and said it remained in regular contact with Border Force about mitigation plans. Additional staff would be on duty on strike days, it said.

A spokesperson added: “We are disappointed that Border Force staff have decided to take strike action at this particular time.  We hope that a settlement to this dispute can be found as quickly as possible.”

PCS union members employed by the Home Office on passport control will take action at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow airports on December 23, 24, 25, 26 28, 29 and 30 and 31.

Members will also strike at the port of Newhaven on the same dates.

The action comes after 100,000 PCS members in 214 government departments and other public bodies voted to strike over a 10% pay rise, pensions justice, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms.

The Business Travel Association urged both sides to talk and highlighted the effect on the industry. 

It said: “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.”