Heathrow Border Force Strike: What It Means To Passengers?

Hundreds of UK Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport plan to strike for four days from 29 April to 2 May.

UK Border Force officers at Heathrow airport are facing job cuts and changes to their working arrangements, leading to dissatisfaction among the workforce.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said that 90% of its members who carry out immigration controls and passport checks voted in favour of industrial action.

The walkout will involve UK Border Force offices working on passport control in all four Heathrow terminals.

The planned strike can disrupt passport control and immigration processes at Heathrow airport, affecting incoming passengers and potentially causing delays and overcrowding issues.

As UK Border Force personnel typically focus their checks on incoming passengers at airports, rather than those departing, the immediate consequence of the walk-out will affect individuals arriving from abroad at the UK's busiest airport.

If large crowds gather in the immigration areas of one or more terminals, airlines may be instructed to delay allowing passengers to disembark from new flights to avoid overcrowding issues, which could also result in delays for departing passengers who are unable to board planes on time.

The Home Office said it was “disappointed” with the union's decision but added it remains “open to discussing a resolution”.

“The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at other ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns, and improve the service to the travelling public.

“Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority and we have robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption.”
UK Home Office

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