GGCA stalls further escalation in Customs dispute amid talks to resolve impasse

The GGCA said it would not escalate industrial action at Customs again this week, as it engages with management to resolve a dispute over plans to exclude the Marine Section from a shift rotation system.
The dispute started a fortnight ago and the union had vowed to step up its action every week.

But GGCA representatives met with the Collector of Customs (Acting) this week in an effort to resolve the impasse.

Following this meeting, the Collector of Customs committed to providing a draft amendment to the Rotation Agreement for the inclusion of the Marine Section by the November 25, 2021.

“This commitment was discussed at a general meeting with the HM Customs membership [on Thursday],” the GGCA said in a statement.

“It was decided that, whilst existing industrial action measures would be maintained, no further escalation would be commenced this week, as a gesture of good will.”

“A general meeting will be convened next Thursday afternoon, where the draft amendment will be discussed and next steps will be agreed.”

Two weeks ago the union’s members commenced industrial action by going to work in civilian clothing.

Last week, in addition to that measure, the stepped up their response and said only one officer will man the vehicle channel at Four Corners and no phones will answered during working hours in the administration and enforcement departments.