Strike action means delays at UK airports
AIR passengers have been told to expect severe disruption tomorrow as the UK Border Agency joins the massive public sector strike action.
The Public and Commercial Services union, which includes UKBA staff, has called a 24-hour strike starting this evening.
UKBA warned yesterday that queues for border control at UK airports, ports and international train stations will be longer than usual, though it said the agency would try and keep delays to a minimum.
It said that visa applications in the UK would also be affected, asking customers with appointments tomorrow to reschedule.
Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the widespread strike action yesterday, saying in a speech: “In a democracy, people can go out and protest. But the people marching should know what they’re objecting to, and I believe there are some misconceptions flying around.
“So to those considering strike action, at a time when discussions are ongoing, I would say to you: these strikes are wrong — for you, for the people you serve, for the good of the country. It’s the changes we propose that are right.”
Up to 750,000 teachers and civil servants are expected to strike in protest against changes to their pension schemes designed to save money.
Schools and government offices are set to shut, and unions have planned a march down Whitehall to protest in front of Parliament.