Heathrow Strike Ballot

Heathrow members vote 96% for strike action

Results of the Industrial Action ballot on the imposition of a Fixed Roster on the Heathrow Immigration Control.

Background

Officers processing passengers at passport (immigration) control points at Heathrow Airport have voted overwhelmingly for strike action over the imposition of a new Team Working Fixed Roster and a Midnight start night shift.

On a 68% turnout, 96.4% voted for strike action and 98.2% for action short of a strike demonstrating the strength of feeling against the imposed rosters.

Membership Concerns

The Home Office imposed a Fixed Roster on the Heathrow PCP on 6^h January 2021 on what is widely viewed by members as the pretext of maintaining COVID-security. It's rushed implementation led to equality concerns as many of those staff with disabilities and caring responsibilities were unable to work to the new roster.

In the run up to the ballot numbers swelled in the branch as 130 new members joined PCS. A feedback form circulated by PCS to members on the PCP has been completed by over 140 members so far and this feedback describes the newly introduced Fixed Roster as ‘a shambles’ and ‘chaotic’, with the integrity and effectiveness of the business widely viewed as being put at risk. As well as there being perceived consequent reductions in COVID-security. Multiple instances of the midnight start night shifts having no HO (Higher Officer) and as few as one Officer occurred, as well as senior managers suspending COVID bubbles and requesting teams to breach their bubbles, all due to pressure of arriving passengers on the PCP. The result of these changes and the way this has been imposed has angered staff and many are worried for their future work prospects in Border Force if there is no flexibility in shift allocation.

Results

The results of the ballot announced on 29 January showed a 68% turnout, with 96.4% voting for strike action and 98.2% for action short of a strike meaning both requirements placed on Unions by the draconian anti-trade laws were met. This represents the first successful ballot for industrial action in the Home Office since the changes in legislation and shows that members in the Home Office can overcome the difficult requirements of the current anti-trade union legislation and make their concerns clear to their employer.

Full results can be found by clicking here.

Next Steps

PCS reps from the Heathrow & West London Branch will now seek to return to the negotiation table with the employer to try and resolve staff issues over the Fixed Roster and the midnight starting night shift with the clear message strike action will be called should progress not be made swiftly.

Stephen Taylor (Assistant Group Secretary)