Border Force out in force on Heathrow picket
Good humour mixed with sadness as determined PCS strikers bid farewell to colleagues on first of the four-day walkout over roster changes.
Today’s Border Force first strike day saw plenty of support from passing motorists. Members of the public boosted morale by tooting their horns as they passed along the busy A-road at one of the entrances to Heathrow airport. Although our reps and members were in a jovial mood, there was underlying anger at the callous behaviour of bosses and sorrow in the knowledge that two reps had already worked their final shifts.
Those picketing spoke of feeling forced out of their jobs. Roster changes imposed by management will now force staff to work over 50 hours a week in 10-hour shifts. There are very few breaks and staff are not permitted to swap shifts with colleagues. This discriminates against older workers, women and those workers with families, and those with disabilities. It makes it almost impossible to fulfil caring responsibilities.
Our members feel that bosses are just trying to get rid of ‘problematic’ staff who have responsibilities or needs and replace them with younger staff. They say this is grossly unfair and to the detriment of Border Force as it throws away decades of combined experience in high pressure roles.
The strike continues for another three days, until Thursday. Tomorrow’s picket will see visits from PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote, Acting President Martin Cavanagh and local MP John McDonnell.
Show your support
- Visit the picket lines on 30 April at the Nene Road roundabout (near the Ibis Styles hotel London Heathrow Airport) - postcode for Nettleton Road TW6 2LA - from 8am-12pm.
- Send messages of support to editor@pcs.org.uk
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