In 2011, the US averted a government shutdown which could have shut down passport offices across the country. Now in 2012, Britain is facing a similar problem as immigration staff threatens a work stoppage at airports on the eve of the Olympics.
The strike is set to begin on Thursday, the day before London’s Olympic Games begin.
The government is seeking an injunction by the High Court. Just think about the problems that this would cause. Most of the athletes have already arrived in London with passports in hand. However, there must be Olympic coaches, staff, fans and families who have yet to arrive at London airports and produced their passports.
This passport checkpoint dilemma arrives at a time when everyone in the world will be watching.
In the past, the government was able to send in government employees and civil servants to replace the passport border patrol agents who went on strike. That is probably the best option if the passport patrol does go on strike later this week.
Can you imagine the disruption to incoming travelers arriving in London with passports in hand?
The UK government is hoping to avoid any disruptions at UK airports as passport holders arrive for the July 27th -August 12th Olympic games.
This impending passport border patrol strike comes at a time when Heathrow Airport has been plagued by long lines at passport control.
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