UK civil servants’ strikes to disrupt services at major airports, ports over Christmas holidays

Members of the PCS union in the Border Force are set to strike as part of a dispute over wages, employment, and pensions. The driving exams and agricultural payments may also be impacted as public officials from several government departments strike. The Cabinet Office stated that measures were in place to keep key services operational.

The strike will begin in mid-December and last for a month, with some workers absent for the full month, meaning services are expected to be disrupted over the Christmas holidays. Thousands of employees are anticipated to participate. According to PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka, the strike will have an impact on passport control at airports and ports. Border Force also handles immigration and customs duties.




PCS members are upset, according to Serwotka. They helped keep the country operating throughout the pandemic and have been treated horribly by this government in return, he stressed. With inflation now at 11.1%, PCS general secretary said that the workers cannot be expected to accept yet another real-term salary decrease.

Workers at the Department of Transport, including driving instructors, license issuers, and highway operators and maintainers, are set to strike.

Why did workers announce a strike?

The Cabinet Office stated that it cherishes the work of government employees nationwide, but the PCS union's proposals would cost an unacceptable £2.4 billion. It stated that its priority must be to reduce inflation to relieve pressure on people across the country, safeguard the weak, and restore our economy.

FAQs

What is the PCS?

The Public and Commercial Services Union is the UK's sixth-largest trade union. The majority of its members are employed by UK government departments and other public bodies.

What is the cost of joining the PCS union?

It varies on your earnings, but our current maximum rate is £15.17 per month for employees earning more than £26,000 per year.