More than one hundred and twenty staff who patrol Britain’s waters under the Public and Commercial Services Union-balloted cadre of the Border Force plan to strike on Friday, November 14, in protest against pay stagnation and delayed terms review.

The workers’ roles include boarding vessels, assisting in intercepting unauthorised migrants and addressing smuggling operations, tasks deemed “harrowing” by union representatives.

The union said its members have been awaiting a full pay and role standardisation review for six years, yet meaningful progress has not been made.

Although the Inland Ministry acknowledged ongoing talks, it said robust contingency plans remain in place to safeguard UK border security.

Maritime patrol workers voted overwhelmingly—96 percent in favour with an 80 percent turnout—to authorise strike action after allowance review deadlines were repeatedly missed.

The union argues the allowances are justified given the specialist nature of their boat-based work, often under challenging conditions.

While the broader Border Force comprises about ten thousand staff mainly at ports and airports, this strike focuses specifically on the maritime patrol tier.

The union said that unless the employer addresses the staff’s concerns, further escalation may follow.

The timing comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government pledges to crack down on gang-led migrant crossings by sea; any disruption to patrol operations could complicate that effort.

The union’s general secretary, Fran Heathcote, said the strike “sends a clear message” that patience has run out and that alternative steps are ready if talks fail.

The Home Office reiterated that talks will continue and that preparedness for border operations remains unchanged.