As summer draws to a close, families and travellers across the UK are bracing for significant disruptions due to a new wave of strikes by train drivers and Border Force workers.
The industrial actions, announced separately by the Aslef union and the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, are set to disrupt vital transport links, particularly affecting the East Coast mainline operated by LNER and several terminals at Heathrow Airport.
The strikes come at a time when many families are planning end-of-summer holidays, and the disruptions are expected to impact travel plans significantly.
Aslef’s announcement targets one of the busiest rail routes in the country, while the PCS union’s action is set to affect one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow.
LNER drivers to strike over 11 weekends
Strikes on LNER services will take place every Saturday from August 31 to November 9, and every Sunday from September 1 to November 10.
There will be a total of 22 strike days spread over three months.
These strikes are part of an ongoing dispute with the company over what Aslef describes as a “breakdown in industrial relations” and the alleged violation of agreements by LNER management.
The union has been clear that this issue is separate from the national pay dispute, which saw drivers being offered a 14 per cent pay rise over three years.
The planned strikes will disrupt the East Coast mainline, which serves as a critical link between London King’s Cross and major cities in northern England and Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, York, and Leeds.
Passengers relying on these routes may face significant delays and cancellations, with limited alternative options available.
While LNER is the primary operator on the East Coast mainline, other services, such as those provided by Lumo and Grand Central Railway, may offer alternative travel options.
However, these alternatives may not fully compensate for the disruption, particularly for passengers travelling to and from less well-served destinations.
Heathrow faces disruption as Border Force staff strike
Adding to the travel chaos, hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport, represented by the PCS union, are set to strike from August 31 to September 3.
The timing of these strikes coincides with the final weekend of the summer holidays, a peak travel period for many families.
The strikes will affect several terminals at Heathrow, including Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, potentially leading to long queues and delays for passengers arriving or departing from the airport.
While Heathrow Airport has declined to comment directly on the strikes, it has noted that previous PCS strike days this year resulted in minimal disruption to passengers.
However, with the high volume of travellers expected during the summer’s end, the impact of these strikes could be more severe.
The PCS union has cited changes to rosters and shift patterns as the primary reasons for the strike, arguing that these changes are forcing Border Force officers to make untenable choices between their jobs and caring responsibilities.
Fran Heathcote, the union’s general secretary, stated that the strikes are a response to management’s inflexibility and the undue pressure placed on staff.
Industry and government responses
The strikes have drawn responses from both the transport industry and the government, with stakeholders expressing disappointment and calling for a resolution.
LNER has expressed surprise and disappointment at the strike announcement, particularly after what it described as recent “constructive conversations” with the union.
The company has vowed to minimize disruption for passengers as much as possible, though it acknowledges that the strikes will inevitably lead to delays and cancellations.
Heathrow Airport, while not directly involved in the strike negotiations, has indicated that it will implement measures to reduce the impact on travellers.
However, the responsibility for resolving the dispute rests with the Home Office, which oversees Border Force operations.
A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the importance of Border Force’s work and expressed a commitment to continuing negotiations with the PCS union to reach an agreement.
On the government side, the Department for Transport has called on both Aslef and LNER to return to the negotiating table and resolve their differences in good faith.
The government has stressed the need to avoid further disruption to passengers, particularly as the travel industry continues to recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact on travellers and the wider economy
The strikes are expected to have a significant impact on travellers, particularly those relying on LNER’s services or flying in and out of Heathrow during the strike periods.
With alternative travel options limited, many passengers may face cancellations or lengthy delays, potentially leading to missed connections, cancelled holidays, and other travel disruptions.
The strikes also have broader implications for the UK’s economy, particularly the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, has warned that the LNER strikes will have a detrimental effect on businesses in popular tourist destinations like Newcastle, Edinburgh, York, and Durham.
The disruption could result in lost sales and further strain on an industry that has already suffered significant financial losses due to ongoing industrial action.
Nicholls has urged all parties to come together and find a resolution to avoid the damaging impact of the strikes.
Yet another set of strikes will be incredibly frustrating for hospitality businesses, especially with LNER trains acting as a vital connection for travelers.
As the end of summer approaches, the announced strikes by train drivers at LNER and Border Force workers at Heathrow Airport are set to cause significant travel disruptions across the UK.
While efforts to resolve these disputes continue, passengers are advised to plan, seek alternative travel arrangements where possible, and stay informed about the latest developments.
The strikes underscore the ongoing challenges facing the UK’s transport sector, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and negotiation to prevent further disruptions in the future.
This article first appeared on Invezz.com
