UK: Unionized civil service workers, including Border Force employees, plan to strike nationwide April 28

Event

Unionized civil servants affiliated with the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, including Border Force members, plan to strike nationwide on April 28. The industrial action will impact international arrivals and freight shipping at all air and maritime ports on the day; normal services will likely only resume around 07:00 April 29. The action is an escalation of the ongoing dispute over increased pay.

Travelers and freight shipments may experience increased processing times at border control and customs posts. UK officials will likely use specially trained military and civilian personnel from several government services to carry out Border Force tasks and minimize disruptions to travelers.

PCS has announced a demonstration in London to accompany the strike. Participants will gather at Whitehall from 12:00 April 28 for a rally. Attendance could reach the low thousands. Police will likely deploy to monitor the gathering. Violence is not anticipated.

Advice

Allow extra time for airport and seaport check-in and to navigate security controls. Ensure all passport and visa documentation is in order and prepare for long lines at passport checks. If transporting goods, plan for longer-than-normal queues or consider delaying shipments until the strike concludes. Contact transport providers for situation updates and follow local travel and security advice. Use electronic passport gates when possible. Avoid the protest in London as a standard precaution, and allow extra time for travel through the area.