Border Force staff will go on strike over the Christmas holiday period at Heathrow, Gatwick and several other airports, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced.
The industrial action was announced by Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the union, which represents civil and public servants, and private sector workers on government contracts.
PCS members working at Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff airports – whose main duties are to check passports for those arriving in the country – will strike for eight days.
The industrial action will take place on December 23, 24, 25 and 26, as well as 28, 29, 30 and 31 at those airports, as well as New Haven port.
A total of 10,072 arrivals – equating to more than two million seats – are expected to be affected by the Border Force strikes at the six airports between December 23-31, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Serwotka said the dispute would “escalate” unless the government was prepared “to put money on the table now”.
“The government cannot expect us to accept 2% when inflation is over 11%,” he said.
He said some PCS members are skipping meals or cannot afford to put the heating on.
Thousands of other civil servants – including driving test examiners – will also be taking industrial action across the country.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, warned the strikes would cause “chaos”.
“These newly announced strikes, the ongoing rail strikes and the general disruption to services across the UK is going to cause chaos for those travelling over Christmas,” she said.
“This latest round of strikes could mean the return of travel chaos we saw when Covid restrictions were lifted and there weren’t enough staff to cope with demand for international travel.”
She added: “Christmas is an incredibly busy time for holiday makers and international travellers and these strikes will impact their plans and damage consumer confidence in the already suffering travel industry.
“Unions are clearly trying to do what’s best for their members, but in the meantime hardworking people are trying to go about their daily lives, whether that’s for business or personal reasons, and facing no end of disruption. We urge the government to work with unions to get these issues resolved as soon as possible.”
A Business Travel Association spokesperson added: “Further strike action puts British workers’ Christmases at risk. Hard workers up and down the country will be stranded, struggling to get home.
“The entire travel support system will once more be plunged into dealing with cancellations and disruptions rather than bookings with no financial recompense. We urge the government and unions to come together to ensure there aren’t unnecessary empty chairs at this year’s Christmas table.”
Which? Travel editor Guy Hobbs said: “Strikes by Border Force staff will be a huge worry to travellers, with thousands now anxious as to whether their Christmas plans could be left in ruins if flights are cancelled as a result.
“Airlines affected should work quickly to inform passengers of any potential changes to their booking because of strike action, and must not fail in their legal responsibility to offer travellers a refund or the option to be rebooked, including with other airlines if necessary.”