The Border Force strike called by the PCS Union appears to have backfired after passengers arriving in to the UK have been praising the efficient service they received from the staff that didn’t strike and the military backup provided by the UK government.
Rather than the holds up and delays that had been expected, all UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick have seen good service with shorter than normal queues at immigration and fully functioning egate systems.
Passengers have been taking to social media to comment on the strikes one user saying that they had got through Heathrow in the “quickest time ever!”
Reuters co-bureau chief Aislinn Laing tweeted: “Just flown into Gatwick from Madrid. Military manning border, absolutely no queues, quicker than usual and service from a naval rating with a beaming smile. Was bracing to feel a bit embarrassed about the state my country is in but instead feeling very proud.”
The lack of disruption could prove embarrassing for the PCS Union especially after their boss threatened that the action could go on for months as they demand above-inflation pay rises.
For now, it seems the UK government has UK border security firmly functioning and secure.
Replace officious civil servant with task-focused military personnel. Hardly a surprise it’s running more smoothly. Next step? Scrap the Border Force agency, save taxpayer cash and restore confidence in UK aviation services.
Just got back from Madeira sailed through Heathrow no hold up in fact it was the easiest ever. In fact I wish they would go on strike every time I go on holiday. I’m not missing the junk mail the postie’s can stay on strike also.
army and navy doing a better job then border force fast polite and fantastic service from the armed forces THANK YOU…
Well, using military staff as a stop-gap solution may work but not for an extended period.
I suspect PCS is aware of the fact that the defence ministry can´t provide staff forever …
So, we can expect the strike will go on for quite a bit – until pressure will rise (easter season is on the horizon already …)