PCS Union strike set to impact English Channel ports and DVSA
The PCS Union has announced that more than 130,000 of its members across the civil service and public sector will strike on 28 April. The strike, which will impact passport controls at border crossings, will be the union's latest one-day action alongside a month of walkouts.
The PCS Union has announced that more than 130,000 of its members across the civil service and public sector will strike on 28 April. The strike, which will impact passport controls at border crossings, will be the union's latest one-day action alongside a month of walkouts.
The union says the industrial action is required to increase the pressure on the government on pay, pensions and job security.
Commenting on the action, PCS General secretary Mark Serwotka said:
“Our members are not backing down in this dispute. Ministers need to take notice that we’re escalating our action and they need to resolve the dispute by putting money on the table. We know our strikes have already caused serious disruption. The new strikes and another national day of action will pile the pressure on a government that refuses to listen.”
The last time the PCS Union conducted an all out strike, on March 15th, the UK Government warned hauliers to be braced for longer queues and potential disruption. It said the strike would affect controls at Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.
In an official update to its website, the UK Government said:
“If you are moving goods during the proposed strike action, be prepared for potential disruption and longer queues at ports and inland border facilities. Please check with your operator before travelling, be prepared for delays and carefully plan your movements if they coincide with days of strike action.”
During another strike by Border Force in December, over 1,000 military personnel had to be trained and drafted in to cover the strike, but in many cases were waving people through without proper checks.
In addition to disruption at ports, DVSA staff who are members of the PCS Union shall also be on strike. Thousands of driving tests were cancelled, costing the employer over £2 million in lost revenue.
According to the PCS Union, in previous strike actions, around 1000 driving examiners, approved driving instructors and local driving test managers have been involved. An additional 324 new members also joined the union in 90 days following strike action last December.
Photo: Paul Townley, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
