Air traffic Border officials at London Heathrow Airport go on strike
Border officials at the most important British airport, London Heathrow, have been on strike since today. The reason for the four-day strike is a dispute over working hours and the workload of employees.
31.08.2024, 11:58
SDA
Around 650 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union wanted to stop work. They then want to work strictly according to regulations from September 4 to 22 and refuse to work overtime.
The strike is not expected to have a major impact on travel plans. At Heathrow, as at all British airports, there is no passport control by border officials on departure. Checks are only carried out on entry.
The union has been in dispute with the Home Office for some time over new rosters, which were introduced in April. There were already several days of strikes in spring as a result. According to a PCS survey, around 80 percent of employees at Heathrow are suffering from stress. Even more say that their family and private lives are strained by their work.
Concern for the well-being of employees
"This survey shows the extent to which our members' wellbeing is being affected by the new rosters," said PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote. Parents are struggling to get their children to and from school, she said. "Managers could easily solve the problem by allowing more flexibility and agreeing fixed shifts that allow our members to plan their childcare commitments," Heathcote said.
The Home Office in London stressed the authority wanted to continue talks with the union and hoped to reach an agreement that worked for the public and staff. "We will have robust plans in place to minimize disruption where possible, but urge passengers to check the latest guidance from providers before they travel," the Home Office continued.
