Strikes are meant to cause disruption. Otherwise, what is the point of them? In a move reminiscent of the General Strike, there have even been suggestions that the trade unions might coordinate their industrial action in the months ahead, to maximise pressure on the Government.
In the case of the strikes by Border Force officials, however, travellers arriving in the UK have reported the opposite of chaos. The huge delays that were anticipated this week and last failed to materialise, and some people even said that passport control – which was manned by military personnel – was quicker than usual.
It was an embarrassment for the Public and Commercial Services union, which represents border staff. Indeed, it ought to be a moment that precipitates genuine improvements to the efficiency of border processes. At the very least the Government should consider allowing more travellers to use the electronic gates to gain entry to the UK, obviating the need for so many officials.
A similar danger surely confronts the rail unions. It can hardly be said that industrial action on the railways has not caused massive inconvenience. Some people have no choice but to get to work by train, and the reduction in services has been damaging to pubs and restaurants in city centres, which lost out on custom in advance of Christmas.
The longer the rail strikes go on, however, the more likely it is that people will adapt, choosing alternative modes of travel or not travelling at all. The railways were already suffering the effects of the rise in home-working. It would be ironic if the rail unions’ prolonged industrial action were to cripple the industry for good.
Strikes could backfire on the trade unions
Industrial action by Border Force officials did not seem to cause much disruption