Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on October 31, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
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UK Border Force staff plan a strike on Nov 14 over pay disputes, citing dangerous work conditions. The union demands government action.
LONDON (Reuters) -A union representing British Border Force workers said on Friday that more than 120 staff who patrol Britain's waters, in "sometimes harrowing roles", plan to strike on November 14 to protest over pay and working conditions.
The majority of the UK's around 10,000 Border Force staff work in airports and ports across the country and overseas. The agency's website does not give a breakdown detailing how many are employed patrolling the country's waters.
Britain's Public and Commercial Services union said the government began a review six years ago to address the need for standardisation of pay and roles, but despite lengthy talks the concerns of its members concerns have yet to be addressed.
The UK's interior ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment about the planned one-day stoppage or the status of the review.
Workers carry out dangerous roles patrolling for smuggling or unauthorised entry into the UK, boarding vessels for inspection and responding to incidents, including small boats carrying asylum seekers, the union said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government - trailing in opinion polls - has pledged to smash the gangs trafficking migrants into Britain on small boats, as Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK party has made tackling illegal migration a major political battleground.
"This strike sends a clear message to the Home Office: we will not accept continued delays and inadequate proposals," PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said in the statement.
"We stand ready to escalate if necessary," Heathcote added.
(Reporting by Muvija M; Editing by Alexander Smith)
A strike is a work stoppage initiated by employees to express grievances or demand changes, often related to pay or working conditions.
A union is an organization of workers that aims to protect their rights and interests, often negotiating with employers on behalf of its members.
Pay disputes occur when employees and employers disagree over wages, salaries, or compensation, often leading to negotiations or strikes.
Working conditions refer to the environment and circumstances under which employees perform their jobs, including safety, hours, and benefits.
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