PCS Union has said they are “forced” to take up strike action starting at the end of August. The strike was needed because officers were being “told by managers” to choose work over caring responsibilities.
Hard Work & Dedication
The border officers of Heathrow work tirelessly to keep the country safe against various discrepancies by travelling tourists. The officers monitor activities like smuggling and trafficking.
The Ultimatum Isn’t Fair
On 29 April this year, staff were hit with a blow when their managers allegedly told them to choose between working or caring responsibilities at home. These options came in the form of a changed work schedule.
The New Work Roster
The Public and Commercial Services Union( PCS) had to step in because the workers were against the new roster with conflicting work hours. The roster leaves many of them with care responsibilities in an impossible situation as it significantly disrupts their duties outside working hours.
Take It or Get Out?
Several workers left statements expressing how this change would impact them on many levels. They, too, had responsibilities outside of work, and 250 were already forced to look for other jobs, according to the PCS.
Majority Voted Yes!
As a result of the new demands on the officer’s shifts and a new contract binding them to the new schedule, the situation pushed the workers to dispute the matter. As a result, as many as 90% of the border patrol personnel voted in favour of the strike action, The Gaudian reported.
Inflexible Hours
The PCS said the “lack of flexibility and changes to shifts” drove several of its members away. Now understaffed, the Border Force officers will have to take a stand and let their voices be heard.
Newcomers – Zero Work Flexibility
The PCS spokesperson also noted that the new staff coming on board during this time have been refused the option of flexible hours.
Forced Out
Several workers left statements expressing how this change would impact them on many levels. They, too, had responsibilities outside of work, and 250 were already forced to look for other work, according to the PCS.
Additional Pressure Piled On
With the Border Force down 250 staff, a new roster was made. However, instead of being a better solution to the 250 workers down, the new schedule pilled all the pressure on the staff that remained to fill in those hours.
What Workers Said
“I’ve been with Border Force for many years despite my chronic illness and being a single parent of a young child… … I just about make it through the month… I was told to look for other jobs…” one officer said in her statement.
“Unacceptable” Hours
“… they expect staff to work five consecutive 10.5 shifts, all with 5 am starts! That is unacceptable…” another officer said.
There Was a Previous Strike Action
Border Force officers had taken strike action earlier this year over the same concerning issue. The previous strike lasted for seven days; however, according to the PCS, the next one will last nearly a month.
Bringing Reinforcements
The Gaurdian reported that Heathrow Airport would need to take steps to mitigate any chaos at the airport that this strike could result in. The army has reportedly been called in to assist while the border patrol members take their strike action for 23 days, reports said.
Quick Training
Senior leaders of the Border Force work with the army and give a week’s training on border patrol procedures and things to spot.
It Can Be Avoided if They Listen
The PCS spokesperson said they understood the strike would disrupt Heathrow’s flow and the travellers using the airport. “… the strike can be avoided if the employer listens to the concerns of our members,” the spokesperson said.
Women & Those With Caring Duties
The PCS noted that “women and those with caring responsibilities” are mostly affected by the new hours. Being asked to work what some workers have described as “inhumane hours” would leave them with no time to tend to their responsibilities.
Just How Many People Will Strike?
According to The Guardian, over 600 officers and ground workers will strike for nearly a month at the end of August.
Make It Work
The employers and bosses responsible for Heathrow Airport’s management and operations have said they will work closely with PCS and the additional staff to ensure things run smoothly.
Strike Terms
According to the PCS the strike would run from 31 August to 3 September, making a total of 23 days. Another addition to the strike is “…working-to-rule and refusing to work overtime until 22 September.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Loredana Sangiuliano.
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