Planned strike by Border Force staff at Heathrow suspended
The PCS union said that following the Home Office’s desire for clarification and in a ‘spirit of collaboration’, it had suspended the planned strikes.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A planned strike by hundreds of Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport has been suspended.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) were due to walk out for four days from April 11 in a dispute over rosters which the union said threatened job losses.
The union said that following the Home Office’s desire for clarification and in a “spirit of collaboration”, it had suspended the planned strikes.
This does not end the dispute. It is an opportunity for the Home Office to demonstrate they are genuinely seeking a resolution
A statement said: “However, if the Home Office does not engage in meaningfully addressing members’ grievances, strikes will be resumed and further escalated.”
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “This is a significant move on the part of PCS that demonstrates a genuine will to work constructively in devising a new roster system that is acceptable to our members, particularly those with disabilities or those with caring responsibilities.
“This does not end the dispute. It is an opportunity for the Home Office to demonstrate they are genuinely seeking a resolution.”