PCS accuses ministers of hypocrisy ahead of Border Force strike

The PCS has accused the Westminster government of hypocrisy by bringing in inexperienced staff to cover for striking Border Force workers this weekend.

The day before more than 1,000 Border Force officers begin three day’s strike action at Dover, Calais, Coquelles and Dunkirk, the union says ministers would rather use poorly-trained staff from across England than settle the dispute – a move they say exposes the hypocrisy of the government’s claim to prioritise national security. 

The union says replacement staff – some of whom have had just two days’ classroom training – are more likely to miss key requirements of the jobs, such as spotting those at risk of people trafficking. 

They also leave unfilled vacancies in their usual workplaces during the dispute as they are transferred to Dover and the French ports. 

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Ministers say their priority is security – it obviously isn’t. 

“They say they have no money to give our hard-working members a fair pay rise, but then find money to pay non-striking workers a healthy bonus, to pay for their transport across the country and to pay for four nights’ hotel accommodation. 

“If ministers were serious about security, they would resolve this dispute immediately by putting money on the table to ensure fully-trained, experienced professionals are guarding our borders.”  

PCS members are this week already on strike at the DWP, British Museum,DVLA and Animal and Plant Health Agency. Next week they will be joined by members at the Land Registry and more DVLA workers.

100,000 PCS members will be taking strike action on Budget Day, March 15.