Border Force staff who work on boats patrolling the English Channel and other UK waters have voted for strike action in a dispute over “frozen” allowances and terms and conditions.
More than 120 Border Force Maritime workers were balloted by the PCS union, with 96% backing strike action on a turnout of 80%.
PCS said the employees, who work on patrol boats, searching for and identifying vessels at sea engaged in smuggling or small boats crossings, are angered at having to wait more than six years for the result of a payment review into allowances for their specialist roles.
The union said Border Force management has repeatedly failed to meet its own deadlines to present final proposals to the union on allowances.
It said the latest date management promised to present proposals to staff – on the week beginning 6 October – “came and went with no progress”.
PCS noted that management has given assurances to staff about backdating these allowances to 1 April 2025, but the union warned it may be months before these extra payments are received due to the delays.
Fran Heathcote, PCS’s general secretary, said: “Our Border Force Maritime members are sick to the teeth of being disrespected and undervalued by management.
“If it takes a highly disruptive strike to shake the employer into its senses, then they are willing to walk out from their patrols to achieve their aims.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Border Force work tirelessly to keep our borders safe and secure. We will continue our talks with the union to reach an agreement that works for our staff and the taxpayer.
“We always have robust plans in place to minimise disruption and uphold UK border security.”