Passengers at British airports were warned of delays after passport control staff went on strike on Friday, the first day of a strike that is expected to last until New Year’s, though Heathrow and Gatwick in London reported no major disruptions.
According to the Public and Commercial Services Union, over 1,000 government-employed Border Force personnel are planning to strike.
They are joining nurses, paramedics, and rail and postal workers in the largest wave of industrial action in Britain in decades over pay and conditions.
The union said its Border Force members had been offered a 2% pay increase, which was far less than the 10.7% inflation rate in November.
Border Force apologised for any inconvenience caused to travellers entering the country and stated that it was working with partners in the travel industry to support the inflow of passengers and goods.
“During periods of industrial action, travellers should expect disruption,” said chief operating officer Steve Dann.
Heathrow, the busiest airport in the United Kingdom, reported “minimal queuing” in its arrivals halls.
“Immigration halls are free flowing …with Border Force and the military contingency providing a good service,” a spokesperson said.
Gatwick, the country’s second busiest airport, warned passengers to expect longer lines at passport control between Friday and the end of the year.
“We …anticipate some disruption, but flights are operating normally, arrivals and departures, and we expect that to continue,” Adam Jones, head of passenger operations, told Sky News.
The government said it was training members of the armed forces and government officials to help staff passport controls at airports and ports ahead of the strike, which is scheduled to last until December 31 excluding December 27.
To read our blog on “London’s Heathrow airport staff to strike in run-up to world cup,” click here
