A programme of “hard-hitting” strikes threatens to cause travel disruption ahead of Christmas and into the new year.
The targeted industrial action will cover workers in the Home Office, including the Border Force, across the Department for Transport and in Defra, affecting ports, borders and “all areas” of transport.
The action is being take by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) in a dispute over pay, jobs and pensions.
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The union said: “We currently have a significant strike fund and have taken steps to raise significantly more money to support our members striking for a sustained period and carry the campaign on into 2023 if necessary.”
Airports and ports would be hardest hit by the walkouts, with the potential for long queues.
A prolonged walkout by border staff at the airports could cause airlines to cancel flights, The Times reported.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “PCS members are angry. They helped to keep this country running during the pandemic, and in return, have been treated appallingly by this government.
“With inflation now at 11.1%, it is inconceivable that they are expected to cope with yet another real terms pay cut.
“With tens of thousands of members on poverty pay it is no longer about tightening belts, but about choosing between heating and eating – and that is simply not acceptable for the government’s own workforce.
“We have made it clear to the Cabinet Office that we are available for talks throughout this period.
“I hope that they do the right thing and come back to the table prepared to meet our demands.
“If not, then we are prepared to do what we need to do to show them the value of our members’ work once they withdraw their labour.”