UNITED KINGDOM – 30 November Strike Action Affecting Airports
Many of the UK’s public sector workers plan to strike on Wednesday 30 November in a dispute over pensions. This includes UK Border Agency (UKBA) workers at ports of entry into the UK. The strike will therefore impact entry into the UK on that day, with exceptionally long waiting times predicted. Many airlines have cancelled flights or are offering free transfers to alternative days for travel.
Strike Action Affecting Border Controls
The UK Border Agency insists that security will be maintained at airports; however, within 50% of airport immigration officers expected to strike, it is difficult to see how this will be achieved without entrants experiencing phenomenally long waiting times. The chief operating office of Heathrow Airport has written a letter to all airlines anticipating waiting times of up to 12 hours, and asking airlines to halve their flight capacities on that day to help manage the problem.
Action Items
- Avoid travelling into or via the UK on Wednesday 30 November
