Previous strikes by Border Force staff affected passengers during the period 23-31 December 2022 at a number of UK airports. The Port of Newhaven was also impacted.
Another strike is now on the cards, and according to reports, it could be even more wide-ranging than the first.
The Guardian writes that the Public and Commercial Services Union “has recently discussed the possibility of targeting major ports of entry in south-east England after eight days of industrial action concentrated on airports.”
It adds that “Business leaders have previously warned that a strike among members at Dover could bring freight services in and out of the UK to a standstill.”
The Guardian also notes that it is highly unlikely strike action will impact boats patrolling the English Channel due to the risk to lives.
Meanwhile, in a press release issued yesterday, Public and Commercial Services Union Branch secretary Matt Meechan said:
“I am proud of each and every one of them [strike participants]. We have not finished and our work continues in the new year. We see our colleagues in the DVSA and the border force, each one out brings the other strength. We are working people and we will not be ignored. Despite negative media, members of the public understand and whether they wish us well or beep their car on the way by it is always welcome, most understand the crisis we face and the political choices made to suppress the working person.”
A Home Office spokesperson told the Guardian that the UK Government had “comprehensive contingency plans in place” in the event such a strike were to be carried out.
Photo: Cdb8939, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
