Airport Chaos as PCS Union Calls Eight-Day Christmas Strike
Massive Airport Walkouts Confirmed
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced a massive strike involving thousands of workers at major UK airports over Christmas. Staff at Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff airports will strike for eight days straight from December 23 right up to New Year’s Eve.
Border Force and Other Services Also Hit
About 1,000 Border Force officers will walk out on December 23-26, 28-30, and 31, protesting over pay, pensions, and job security. This follows PCS strikes already planned at the Department for Work and Pensions, National Highways, and among driving examiners.
Government Warned Over Military Cover-Up Plans
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka slammed government efforts to use the military to cover strike duties. He warned there won’t be enough time to properly train troops for passport control roles, predicting a “significant impact” on airport operations.
“They keep saying their door is open, but it’s a peculiar door with nothing behind it,” said Serwotka after talks with ministers who refused to budge on a meagre 2% pay rise.
More Trouble Ahead Unless Talks Progress
Serwotka threatened that if the stalemate continues, PCS will ramp up industrial action in the new year — suggesting 2024 could start with fresh strikes disrupting travel and public services nationwide.
