Border Force on strike at UK airports over Christmas

[Pauline]

For anyone traveling to the UK over Christmas please be aware that there are many strikes going on - rail, nurses, ambulances, post, and now border force at airports.

Border Force staff at UK airports to strike over Christmas in pay row

PCS union announces action that will affect UK’s busiest airports including Heathrow and Gatwick

www.theguardian.com

From the article: “Passport checks at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham airports will be among those disrupted, the PCS union has said. Days affected will include the period from 23 December to Boxing Day inclusive, and from 28 December to New Year’s Eve.”

Train strikes are usually one day here and there but they are striking more over Christmas.

December train strikes: Extra walkouts planned over Christmas https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63867226

From the article: “Workers at the UK's biggest rail union RMT will walk out from 6pm on 24 December until 27 December as the row over pay and conditions escalates.”

Here is a handy chart from that BBC article.

Things are not going well here!

 

[Mom83]

Fingers crossed we are not too disrupted on our trip 12/18-12/30. But, we will just have to adjust. We are driving 99% of the time…only one train day-trip planned on 12/20 from Oxford to London. But, we will be flying home on 12/30, so that may be a bit chaotic with passport control.

 

[Pauline]

Baggage handlers at Heathrow striking tomorrow and at New Year. The article says only terminal 2, 3, 4.

Heathrow strike by ground handlers to go ahead after pay talks fail

Unite confirms two 72-hour stoppages starting Friday 16 December after members reject ‘miserable’ pay offer

www.theguardian.com

Heathrow strike by ground handlers to go ahead after pay talks fail​

Unite confirms two 72-hour stoppages starting Friday 16 December after members reject ‘miserable’ pay offer … The workers will go ahead with a 72-hour strike beginning at 4am on Friday 16 December and a further 72-hour strike is planned, beginning on Thursday 29 December and ending at 3:59am on Sunday 1 January.

 

[Mom83]

So frustrating for holiday travelers. We may be fortunate as we are flying BA into Terminal 5…arriving Sunday morning, December 18, at 6:30am. I will report back after we arrive. Fingers and toes crossed!

 

[Pauline]

And the baggage handlers strike has been called off!! Looks like you will be okay @Mom83

 

[Mom83]

Wonderful news for all travelers to Heathrow this weekend!