Military asked to step in and save getaway from strikers
THE military could be called in to limit chaos during the Christmas getaway as civil servants walk out in a pay row.
The Daily Express understands the Ministry of Defence has accepted a Home Office request for support during the strikes as thousands of workers – including Border Force officers – take industrial action.
Officials are now expected to thrash out the exact arrangements over the coming days and this is likely to be revealed next week.
Hundreds of military personnel could be brought in to check passports at ports and airports, ensure queues are kept as short as possible or even help process migrants arriving in small boats across the English Channel.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has asked for “a few hundred” troops to cover Border Force strikes, the Daily Express understands.
The Public and Commercial Services union said action will start in midDecember and continue for a month.
Some workers will take action for the entire month, while others will walk out for shorter periods.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said the action will affect driving tests and the issuing of driving licences, as well as passport control at airports. More industrial action will be announced next month.
Mr Serwotka said: “PCS members are angry.They helped to keep this country running during the pandemic, and in return, have been treated appallingly by this Government.With inflation now at 11.1 per cent, it is inconceivable that they are expected to cope with yet another real terms pay cut.
“We have made it clear to the Cabinet Office that we are available for talks throughout this period.”
He said ministers should be dealing with the causes of the dispute rather than contingencies for industrial action.
He added: “Instead of talking in soundbites, the Government should be doing something to stop their workers using food banks over Christmas, and they need to remove the threat to tens of thousands of job cuts next year.”