Workers plan strikes before Olympic Games

Athletes and sports fans attending the 2012 Olympic Games may face disrupted journeys after immigration and rail workers in England announced separate strikes.

Border Agency staff and other Home Office employees will walk out on Thursday, the day before the opening ceremony, in a dispute over jobs, pay and the privatization of services, the Public and Commercial Services Union said yesterday.

The rail union Aslef said separately that drivers will strike for three days at Stagecoach Group Plc's East Midlands Trains, which connects London with Loughborough, site of the main preparation camp for British athletes competing in the Games.

"This strike threatens Team GB's ability to plan travel from their U.K. base in Loughborough and would disrupt journeys for thousands of commuters and spectators," Transport Secretary Justine Greening said in a statement. "If there were an Olympic sport of self-interest, Aslef union leaders would win it."

Train drivers are to walk out Aug. 6, the day the men's 400-meter final is scheduled, and the following two days.

Immigration officials will also refuse overtime and work strictly to contract between July 27 and Aug. 20, PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said in a statement, adding that the government has acted "recklessly" in cutting jobs and "provocatively" in refusing talks.

Home Secretary Theresa May said in a statement that the Border Agency strike call was "shameful," while John Cridland, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said the timing of the walkout "beggars belief." Heathrow Airport, through which the bulk of overseas competitors are arriving for the games, will aim to maintain a "smooth and secure" service, owner BAA Ltd. said.

"So far the Olympic roster introduced by the Home Office is having the desired effect, with immigration waiting times well within their targets," BAA said in an emailed statement. "We hope this will continue through the strike action."