Hundreds of Border Force officers at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) are preparing to strike for four days starting this Saturday, likely severely impacting travel for passengers.
The industrial action comes amid escalating tensions over what the officers describe as “rigid” working conditions, particularly the introduction of new rosters that they argue severely disrupt their work-life balance.
The dispute has been brewing for several months, with the officers, represented by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, expressing frustration over schedules they claim are detrimental to their well-being.
Around 650 union members working across terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 are expected to participate in the strike.
Following this, the officers will engage in a further protest by refusing overtime work for 18 days starting 4 September.
A recent survey conducted by PCS highlighted that 80 percent of the officers involved in the strike are dealing with increased stress and feel compelled to work extended hours due to the new roster system.
“This survey shows how badly our members’ wellbeing is being affected by the new roster system,” PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said in a statement.
“These inflexible rosters are preventing parents dropping off and picking up their children from school.”
Heathcote has called on the management to implement more flexible working arrangements that would allow the officers to better balance their professional and personal lives.
Authorities at interior ministry, responsible for the Border Force, stated that officials were “committed to continuing our conversations with the union so we can find an agreement that works for both the public and staff”.
“We will have robust plans in place to minimise disruption where possible, but we urge passengers to check the latest advice from operators before they travel”, a spokesperson said.
This strike echoes a similar situation in April as well as the December 2022 walkout, during which military personnel were deployed to manage passport checks at Heathrow and other airports.
Passengers traveling through Heathrow during the strike period are urged to monitor travel updates closely to avoid unexpected delays.
