Just when you thought travel couldn’t get anymore complicated in 2023 (rail strikes, we’re looking at you), another spanner has been thrown in the works. More than 1,000 passport-office staff across the UK are now set to walk out in April in a long-running dispute concerning wages and working conditions. That’s in addition to the more than 1,400 security staff who are going on strike at Heathrow Airport over Easter.
The strike could lead to long delays in the delivery of new passports and may impact upcoming holiday plans – so if you have a trip coming up but your passport is due to expire, you’re going to want to plan ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming passport strikes.
How long are passport workers striking for?
The industrial action will last a total of five weeks, from April 3 to May 5. Passport-office staff in Belfast are striking from April 7 to May 5.
What effect will the strike have on travel?
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said it will have ‘significant impact’ on the delivery of passports.
More than a million passport applications could be stuck in a bottleneck, meaning some people may not receive new documents in time for their holidays.
How long do I need on my passport to travel?
That depends on the country you intend to visit. For EU destinations such as Spain, France or Greece, your passport needs to be valid for at least three months after the day of departure.
Some countries further afield, such as Brazil and Indonesia, require at least six months, while others including Canada, Australia and Japan only need it to be valid for the duration of your stay.
What are the current processing times for passports?
During peak months, HM Passport Office can receive 250,000 applications a week. It recommends submitting an application at least ten weeks prior to when you need your passport. However, more than 360,000 people ended up waiting longer last year, so we’d recommend you submit an application ASAP if you need to update your passport.
If I miss a trip because I can’t get a passport in time, can I claim on travel insurance?
Unfortunately not. Travellers are expected to have all their documents in order, though some travel companies could be flexible if the bottleneck becomes severe.
Why are passport workers striking?
Members of the PCS union are asking for a 10 percent pay rise as well as job security measures, changes to their pension and protected redundancy terms.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: ‘This escalation of our action has come about because, in sharp contrast with other parts of the public sector, ministers have failed to hold any meaningful talks with us, despite two massive strikes and sustained, targeted action lasting six months.
‘Their approach is further evidence they’re treating their own workforce worse than anyone else.
‘It’s a national scandal and a stain on this government’s reputation that so many of its own workforce are living in poverty.’
What has the government said?
The government has said that the strike will not affect their current guidance, which advises allowing up to ten weeks to get a passport.
A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike after engaging in constructive talks to find a resolution.
‘We are working to manage the impact of strike action whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver vital services to the public, with comprehensive contingency plans in place.’
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