London Heathrow Border Force Officers to Strike

DALLAS — Hundreds of Border Force officers at London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) are set to strike for four days starting Saturday, protesting against what they describe as "inflexible" working conditions. The dispute, which has been ongoing for months, centers on introducing new rosters that the officers claim are detrimental to their work-life balance.

The equivalent of a Border Force officer in the U.S. would be a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. These officers enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws and regulations at ports of entry, including airports, seaports, and land borders. They also conduct inspections of individuals and goods entering the country to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Around 650 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members working in terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 at LHR will participate in the strike. Following this, they will refuse overtime work for 18 days starting September 4. This latest industrial action follows a similar strike in April. The PCS is one of the largest trade unions in the UK, with around 200,000 members.

According to rte.ie report, a recent survey by the PCS found that 80% of the officers set to strike are experiencing stress and feel pressured to work longer hours due to the new roster system. 

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote expressed concern over the impact on the officers' well-being, stating that the inflexible schedules prevent many from fulfilling parental responsibilities, such as school drop-offs and pick-ups. Heathcote urged management to introduce more flexible rosters and fixed shifts to allow workers to manage their personal lives better.

The UK Home Office, responsible for the Border Force, affirmed its commitment to ongoing discussions with the union to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The government plans to implement measures to minimize disruption during the strike but advises passengers to stay updated on operator travel information.

This action also echoes a previous strike in December 2022 when military personnel were brought in to manage passport checks at Heathrow and five other airports during a similar walkout by Border Force staff.