WIREDGOV

UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff working at juxtaposed controls in Calais, Dunkirk, Coquelles and Boulogne have voted for industrial action as management seek to slash subsistence rates, PCS said today.

97% of those taking part in the ballot voted for strike action and 98% for action short of strike over plans to scrap allowances for day and night shifts and cut the overnight allowance from 68 Euros to 45 Euros.

The union estimates that the average staff member could lose over £500 a month in allowances which are given to UKBA staff who work on immigration controls and undertake freight searches in France on detached duty.

PCS called on management and the Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas MP to enter into talks to avoid strike action and find a negotiated outcome.

PCS has over 130 members working on juxtaposed controls in France. 98 members took part in the ballot with 95 voting for strike action and 3 against. 96 voted for industrial action short of strike and 2 voted against.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "Staff working away from home in another country are quite rightly angry at the way the agency is seeking to slash agreed allowances.

These are dedicated staff who do a difficult job and work unsociable hours. It is disgraceful that the average staff member stands to lose over £500 a month because of imposed changes by the UKBA.

 

"These are dedicated staff who do a difficult job and work unsociable hours. It is disgraceful that the average staff member stands to lose over £500 a month because of imposed changes by the UKBA.

"We would urge the UKBA to reconsider its plans and for ministers to intervene and recognise the important role that UKBA staff play."