Passport workers' strike threatens summer holiday chaos

Thousands of holidaymakers could find their travel plans disrupted by a three-day strike by passport workers.

Nearly 3,000 staff at seven of Britain's regional passport offices began the stoppage today in protest at their pay and cutbacks, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said.

The strike, which also affects 68 interview offices, may delay the processing of up to 60,000 passports and could hit travellers urgently needing travel documents.

The stoppage, which comes at the start of the school holidays, means that anyone who discovers their passport has expired might have to miss their holiday.

For an extra charge, new documents can usually be obtained in one day but this service will be unavailable during the strike. Travellers waiting for ordinary passport applications to be processed will also face delays.

The protest is over a 2.5% pay deal, which has not been awarded to all staff. Under the deal, the longest-serving employees will receive no pay rise for the fifth year running.

The PCS general secretary, Mark Serwotka, said: "The closure of the Glasgow passport office and the threat to a further unnamed three is fuelling the anger over the government's policy of below-inflation pay.

"It is disgraceful that long-serving passport staff should receive no pay rise for the fifth year in a row and that efficient hardworking staff should be rewarded with a pay cut in real terms.

"With food, fuel and housing costs soaring, the government's policy of below-inflation pay has further incensed a workforce uncertain about their future but passionate about the service they provide."

The seven regional passport offices affected by the strike are in London, Liverpool, Belfast, Glasgow, Peterborough, Newport and Durham.

An Identity and Passports Service spokesman said: "IPS will strive to maintain a service to the public and keep any inconvenience to a minimum during the period of the strikes.

"All IPS regional office counters will remain open and we are able to issue passports for those in emergency situations or with urgent needs.

"Any customer who has booked for premium services or an interview will have the appointment honoured.

"We believe that the pay deal was fair for staff while keeping in line with Treasury guidelines."

Travellers can call the passport advice line on 0870 521 0410.

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