Eurostar is expecting a chaotic time during the Christmas period as security staff strike over pay later this month. The fallout could put travel plans at risk as people visit friends and family on the continent for the festive holiday.
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The strike from members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will take place on December 16, 18, 22 and 23 after they voted in favour of industrial action, with the union stating it will ‘severely affect’ Eurostar services, as per The Mirror.
Security staff
Whilst many Eurostar staff are not taking part in the strike, more than 100 security staff employed by the private contractor Mitie, are part of the RMT and involved in the dispute over pay.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch commented on the situation:
Eurostar security staff are essential to the running of Eurostar, and it is disgraceful they are not being paid a decent wage. They work long, unsocial hours and a multimillion-pound company like Mitie can easily afford to pay them decently for the essential work they do.
We do not want to disrupt people's travel plans, but our members need a pay rise, and this is the only way management will listen.
What it means for you
The strikes will cause some delays and possibly cancellations so passengers are advised to check their travel plans before leaving and consider travelling on dates outside of strike days.
Eurostar commented on the situation on their website:
We’re currently assessing the impact on our timetable and expect to run most of our trains. We will update this page as soon as more information becomes available. Passengers will be contacted if their journey is affected by timetable changes.
To help cope with the striking staff it was revealed earlier this week that soldiers will be standing in for Border Force members of the PCS union and will wear their uniforms while checking passports, as per The Guardian.
Eurostar went on to comment on their Twitter feed that any customers uncertain about their travel arrangements can find updates here.
Sources used:
- TheGuardian 'Fresh UK rail strikes announced in run-up to Christmas'
- The Mirror 'Eurostar to be hit with Christmas strikes as security workers plan walk outs'
-Eurostar'Travel News'
