Pogue
27th July 2009, 17:16
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8171182.stm
Immigration staff vote to strike
Holidaymakers are facing disruption after the PCS union said immigration officials working for the UK Border Agency have voted for strike action. Members voted by a large majority to take action over plans to merge the duties of immigration and customs staff, the PCS's Alex Flynn said.
It gives the go-ahead for a possible two-day walkout beginning 5 August.
A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said contingency plans would be put into place to minimise disruption.
'Little effect'
The dispute centres around changes to working practices and shift patterns following the merger of immigration and customs staff after the creation of the UK Border Agency.
According to the PCS, the merger means immigration staff would have to carry out custom officers' duties for which they have not been trained, such as strip searches.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif Our members want to continue doing the jobs they signed up for http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Alex Flynn
PCS
The union also says proposed changes to shift patterns would mean a reduction in take-home pay.
Mr Flynn said the union had been holding talks with management which were due to be discussed by the executive committee of the PCS's immigration section.
"Obviously we want to avoid inconveniencing the public," Mr Flynn added.
"But our members want to continue doing the jobs they signed up for.
"Management were trying to introduce changes so that you would have immigration officers doing jobs for which they were not trained."
A spokesman for the UK Border Agency insisted disruption would be minimal.
He added: "If industrial action does take place border controls will be maintained and there will be little effect on the work of the UK Border Agency.
"Contingency staffing plans would be in place to ensure the public receive business as usual service."
The results of the PCS ballot come after unions representing 14,000 cabin crew at British Airways have warned of strikes over management plans for job losses and a wage freeze.
Immigration staff vote to strike
Holidaymakers are facing disruption after the PCS union said immigration officials working for the UK Border Agency have voted for strike action. Members voted by a large majority to take action over plans to merge the duties of immigration and customs staff, the PCS's Alex Flynn said.
It gives the go-ahead for a possible two-day walkout beginning 5 August.
A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said contingency plans would be put into place to minimise disruption.
'Little effect'
The dispute centres around changes to working practices and shift patterns following the merger of immigration and customs staff after the creation of the UK Border Agency.
According to the PCS, the merger means immigration staff would have to carry out custom officers' duties for which they have not been trained, such as strip searches.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif Our members want to continue doing the jobs they signed up for http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif
Alex Flynn
PCS
The union also says proposed changes to shift patterns would mean a reduction in take-home pay.
Mr Flynn said the union had been holding talks with management which were due to be discussed by the executive committee of the PCS's immigration section.
"Obviously we want to avoid inconveniencing the public," Mr Flynn added.
"But our members want to continue doing the jobs they signed up for.
"Management were trying to introduce changes so that you would have immigration officers doing jobs for which they were not trained."
A spokesman for the UK Border Agency insisted disruption would be minimal.
He added: "If industrial action does take place border controls will be maintained and there will be little effect on the work of the UK Border Agency.
"Contingency staffing plans would be in place to ensure the public receive business as usual service."
The results of the PCS ballot come after unions representing 14,000 cabin crew at British Airways have warned of strikes over management plans for job losses and a wage freeze.