Scots who plan to fly abroad this Christmas have been warned that travel could be disrupted by Border Force strikes. Industrial action will take place from December 23 to Boxing Day, and then again from December 28 to New Year's Eve.
The PCS union has been in an ongoing pay dispute with government employers, and recently announced that Border Force staff will join 100,000 workers in 214 government departments and other public bodies in strike action. The walkouts will impact Glasgow Airport as well as travel hubs in Wales and England with around 1,000 Border Force staff expected to take part.
Border checks are not carried out for domestic flights, so Scots travelling elsewhere in the UK for Christmas are unlikely to be affected. However, those who are either travelling abroad or returning to the UK from a foreign country could face disruptions.
Guy Hobbs, Editor of Which? Travel, said: "Strikes by Border Force staff will be a huge worry to travellers, with thousands now anxious as to whether their Christmas plans could be left in ruins if flights are cancelled as a result.
"Airlines affected should work quickly to inform passengers of any potential changes to their booking because of strike action, and must not fail in their legal responsibility to offer travellers a refund or the option to be rebooked, including with other airlines if necessary."
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said that the strikes could be called off "tomorrow" if the government "puts money on the table." He said: "Like so many workers, our members are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. They are desperate. They are being told there is no money for them, while they watch ministers giving out government contracts worth billions of pounds to their mates."
Glasgow Airport has said that they are setting up contingencies - including extra staff - and do not expect a significant impact on operations.
A Glasgow Airport spokesman said: "At this stage there is no indication the planned industrial action will have any significant impact on our operations, and we are continuing to liaise with Border Force to understand what their contingency plans are.
"We would also like to reassure our passengers arriving back to the UK that Glasgow Airport will also bring in additional staff on the proposed strike days to ensure disruption – if any - is kept to an absolute minimum."
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