Travellers must expect “very long queues” at some ports and airports over Christmas, the aviation and maritime minister has warned.
Border Force staff, members of the public service union the PCS, have balloted to strike in demand of a 10% pay rise and the union has indicated strikes could be called over Christmas and New Year alongside strikes by rail workers.
Aviation minister Baroness Vere told the Abta Travel Matters conference in London on Tuesday: “No days for strikes have been declared at the moment and the government does have mitigation measures in place.”
However, she warned: “In places, there will be some very long queues and we have to communicate that to customers.”
It was reported in November that soldiers have been receiving training in Border Force roles at Heathrow and Folkestone.
Baroness Vere confirmed: “The government is talking to third parties about keeping ports and airports open. The Home Office has set out its plans and the Department for Transport is working very closely with the transport operators.”
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK which represents the leading UK carriers, told the Travel Matters summit: “It is likely there will be queues at Christmas, particularly at Heathrow.”
Referring to the rail strikes already announced over the Christmas holiday, Baroness Vere said: “It’s not particularly helpful.
“I wish the unions would have more conversations with the train operating companies. This can’t continue for ever.”
She added: “There is no open cheque book. There can’t be, and I would remind the union of the enormous contribution the Treasury made during the pandemic which meant no one lost their job.”