PCS strikes to hit airports across England as the Christmas period commences

Airports and ports across England are set to be disrupted by strikes over the festive period

As part of a dispute over pay, jobs and pensions, PCS union members are looking to take action in the coming months.

The action will begin mid-December and last for a month, with thousands of employees expected to be on strike, with some out of work the entire time.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka discussed how the strike will affect passport control at ports and airports, consequently effecting immigration and custom control too.

With the travel industry finally making a return to normality, is this going to result in yet another setback for the UKs travel economy.

London Heathrow Airport

Georgia Hancock, an employee at Birmingham airport, said: “It’s unfair. I know we were nowhere near the backbone of society during COVID-19, but we still played our part in keeping the travel industry going and we get no thanks. I think people forget how important airports actually are and how much we do”

With inflation now reaching 11.1 per cent, people around the country are looking for ways to cut costs and save for the months ahead.

“Of course, I am glad to see the industry make a comeback, but we are facing pay cuts at a time we need the money most, there is no support for us.”

Mr Serwotka told the BBC: “PCS members are angry. They helped to keep this country running during the pandemic, and in return, have been treated appallingly by this government.

The airport strikes are coming after the country saw NHS workers stand up for better pay, as well as railway and train employees.

Credit: Thebigissue

According to a press release, the strike at Heathrow Airport, the UKs busiest, would lead to “disruption, delays and cancellations for flights leaving Heathrow from terminals 2,3 and 4.”

Miss Hancock said: “I am glad I don’t work at Heathrow; I think it’s going to be chaos, but it has to be done. I just hope it gets the attention it deserves.”

Heathrow airport recently stated they were ready for the ‘its biggest Christmas in three years’ but with strikes set to last over the festive period, how will this Christmas compare to the last?