Border Force workers at Birmingham Airport to strike over Christmas
Workers are to launch a series of strikes in a dispute over pay, pensions and jobs.
Last updated 7th Dec 2022
The Public and Commercial Services union announced its members working at Birmingham Airport - as well as Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, and Cardiff will strike for eight days from December 23 to New Year's Eve.
The union has already announced strikes at the Department for Work and Pensions, the Highways Agency and among driving examiners.
Around 1,000 Border Force workers will strike on December 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30 and 31.
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.
He said: "The Government can stop these strikes tomorrow if it puts money on the table.
"Like so many workers, our members are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. They are desperate. They are being told there is no money for them, while they watch ministers giving out Government contracts worth billions of pounds to their mates.
"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."
Speaking on behalf of Birmingham Airport, the Airport Operators’ Association (AOA) said: “UK airports have worked tirelessly to tackle several challenges since the reopening of international travel in order to provide a high level of service to passengers.
"The decision of Border Force staff to take industrial action is disappointing and we urge Border Force, the Home Office, and all Government departments to get back around the table to resolve these strikes before they begin or put in place concrete and deliverable contingency measures to keep the border operating smoothly.”