Glasgow Airport set to be hit by Christmas strike action

Border Force workers at Glasgow Airport are set to take part in a series of strikes over Christmas in a bitter dispute over pay, pensions and jobs.

The Public and Commercial Services union announced around 1,000 members working at many of the UK’s biggest terminals will strike for eight days from December 23 to New Year's Eve.

The action will also include Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

The union has already announced strikes at the Department for Work and Pensions, National Highways and among driving examiners.

READ MORE: Security alert chaos at Glasgow Airport

Significant impact

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said the staff work at passport control so the strike will have a "significant impact".

He warned the Government against bringing in the military to cover for the strikes, saying there was not enough time to train them properly.

Mr Serwotka has met Government ministers but he said they were refusing to increase a 2% pay rise.

"They keep saying their door is open, but it is a very strange door because there's nothing behind it."

He warned that the PCS will escalate industrial action in the new year unless the deadlock is broken.

Mr Serwotka also raised the prospect of co-ordinated action with other unions involved in disputes.

"Some sections of the media have accused us of playing politics with these strikes. Let me be clear: our dispute is with the employer.

"We will fight to improve our members' pay, terms and conditions regardless of who is in Downing Street."

Reassurance for passengers

A Glasgow Airport spokesman told Clyde 1 News:

“At this stage there is no indication the planned industrial action will have any significant impact on our operations, and we are continuing to liaise with Border Force to understand what their contingency plans are.

“We would also like to reassure our passengers arriving back to the UK that Glasgow Airport will also bring in additional staff on the proposed strike days to ensure disruption – if any - is kept to an absolute minimum.”

Unjustified action - Minister

Minister for Immigration Robert Jenrick: "The union's decision to strike over the festive period is unjustifiable and will ruin the plans of thousands of families and businesses across the country.

"While we are working closely with all UK ports and airports and have robust plans in place to minimise any delays if strike action goes ahead, passengers should be prepared for their plans to be severely disrupted.

"Those intending to travel over strike days should keep up-to-date with the latest advice from operators before making journeys this Christmas."

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