The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced a large-scale strike involving thousands of workers at key UK airports during the Christmas period. Staff at Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff airports will walk out for eight consecutive days from December 23 up to New Year’s Eve.
In addition to airport staff, approximately 1,000 Border Force officers will strike on December 23-26, 28-30, and 31. The industrial action is in protest over pay, pensions, and job security concerns. This strike follows other PCS industrial actions already scheduled at the Department for Work and Pensions, National Highways, and among driving examiners.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka criticised the government’s plans to use military personnel to cover strike duties. He warned that there will not be sufficient time to properly train troops for passport control roles, predicting a “significant impact” on airport operations.
Serwotka stated, “They keep saying their door is open, but it’s a peculiar door with nothing behind it,” following talks with ministers who refused to increase pay beyond a 2% rise.
Looking ahead, Serwotka threatened that if negotiations remain stalled, PCS will escalate industrial action in the new year. This suggests that 2024 could begin with further strikes disrupting travel and public services across the country.
Originally published by UKNIP.
