Strike threat to ferry passengers

Holidaymakers returning to the UK by ferry from France could be hit by a strike by Border Agency staff on Saturday in a row over allowances, it was warned today.

The Public and Commercial Services union said up to 470 of its members in Calais, Dunkirk, Coquelles and Boulogne will join the action, the second 24-hour walkout since the dispute flared at the end of last year.

The union said it was opposing plans to scrap allowances for day and night shifts and cut the overnight allowance by a third, from 68 euros to 45 euros, which it claimed could cost staff more than £500 a month.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "The people taking action are dedicated staff who do a difficult job working unsociable hours in another country. It is disgraceful that the average staff member stands to lose over £500 a month because of imposed changes.

"Management's refusal to recognise staff concerns has done nothing for morale. With support for strike action running high, we would urge the UK Border Agency to reconsider its plans and recognise the important role that staff play."