Passport Control Staff Strike - Planned for UK - 10 May 2012
Public sector unions and immigration staff plan to stage strikes across the UK on Thursday 10 May 2012. Expect lengthy travel disruptions.
Summary
Up to 200,000 public sector union members and immigration workers have called for a nationwide 24-hour strike on 10 May 2012 over pension cuts. The unions have organized demonstrations and rallies across the country and will most likely block roads, disrupting ground transportation and air travel.
The strike will result in border clearance delays at airports, seaports, and train stations across the country. The shortage of border agents will lead to long lines at immigration, which could force airlines and airport staff to hold passengers on arriving aircraft. Passengers may not be permitted to disembark aircraft until the queues subside due to safety issues.
The most significant disruptions are likely at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), where already existing staff shortages are causing wait times of up to three hours.
Other airports likely to experience disruptions:
o Gatwick (LGW)
o Stansted (STN)
o Southampton (SOU)
o Manchester (MAN)
o Edinburgh (EDI)
o Glasgow (GLA)
Delays at these major hubs could have ripple effects for flights in European airspace connecting in the UK.
Disruptions are also possible at ferry terminals in Paris and Brussels and at the Channel Tunnel entrance in Coquelles, northern France, where immigration officers are stationed.
Traffic on roadways leading to the airports may be slower than normal. Airports are likely to become very crowded, and lines may be long.
Advice for travellers
• Allow extra time to get to the airport, check in and go through security
• Contact the airline or airport prior to departure to enquire if your scheduled flight to / from / through or within impacted areas will depart as normal
• Pay attention to local news reports
• If your flight is cancelled, you are reminded to cancel the hotel and car rental bookings
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