Ballot launched of Border Force Maritime members
A ballot is underway of PCS members working on patrol boats in the English Channel in a dispute over terms, conditions and frozen allowances.
More than 120 Border Force Maritime workers are angry at waiting more than six years for the result of a payment review into allowances for their specialist roles. The ballot on potential strike action runs until 17 October.
Our members’ duties include searching for vessels at sea and identifying craft engaged in smuggling or small boats crossings.
Although management has given assurances about backdating these allowances to 1 April 2025, it may be months before extra payments are received.
Border Force management has failed to fully recognise the demands of our members, who are frustrated by the wait for a fresh formal offer.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said: “It is a disgrace that our members have been waiting six years for this situation to be resolved.
“Although it's shameful that managers need a strike ballot to focus their minds, it's clear that our members are not prepared to be messed around any longer."