Heathrow Border Force to strike
The more than 600 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members, who carry out immigration controls and passport checks, voted 90% in favour of strike action.
No dates have been announced for the strike, but the walkout could begin as soon as April 8.
The PCS members are angry at planned alterations to their shift patterns that would have a detrimental effect on all the current staff and leave nearly 250 without a job on passport control, including many with disabilities or caring responsibilities.
If they refuse to accept the new contracts, they would be forced to seek jobs elsewhere in the Home Office.
Around 30 workers have already left in recent weeks, with a further 200 planning to quit if the changes are imposed next month.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our hard-working members in the Border Force are being forced out by a belligerent employer.
“It’s clear from today’s ballot result how angry and determined our members are to protect their jobs.
“It’s not too late for the Home Office to do the decent thing and drop these unnecessary changes and work with the union to protect jobs and working conditions.”
PCS is currently challenging the government’s Minimum Service Levels legislation in the courts. We will vigorously defend our members' right to strike if ministers try to impose a work notice.
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