LONDON — Hundreds of Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport, one of Europe’s busiest travel hubs, have launched a four-day strike starting Saturday in protest against new work rosters they describe as inflexible and detrimental to their work-life balance.

The strike, involving around 650 members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS), is expected to disrupt travel plans for many families returning to the UK as the summer holidays conclude.

Following the strike, staff will engage in a work-to-rule action from September 4-22, refusing to work overtime, further intensifying the ongoing dispute.

The PCS union has criticized the new rosters, introduced in April, citing a significant impact on employees' mental health.

According to a union survey, 80% of Heathrow Border Force workers report job-related stress, with more than a quarter having taken time off due to stress or mental health issues since the changes were implemented.

Fran Heathcote, the general secretary of PCS, highlighted the toll on staff well-being, urging passengers to check with their travel operators for updates amid potential disruptions.

In response, airport authorities and Border Force management have announced contingency plans to minimize the impact on passengers during the industrial action. — Agencies