The UK Government has issued a travel warning for France ahead of Eurostar strikes. Staff are set to strike across four days in December.
The latest Foreign Office Advice says: “Security staff working for Eurostar have announced strike action on 16, 18, 22 and 23 December which may impact travellers using the service in the run up to Christmas.
“You should check the Eurostar website prior to travelling for the most recent updates to services.
“Strikes have also been announced on the UK rail network which could disrupt train services between the UK and France.
“Please keep checking for updates from your travel operator and plan for the possibility of disruption to your journey.
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“If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.”
British tourists could face heavy delays at security during the strike days which could ruin Christmas plans.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Eurostar security staff are essential to the running of the Eurostar and it is disgraceful they are not being paid a decent wage.
“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.”
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The striking workers are part of the RMT union and are employed by a private contractor, Mitie.
A Eurostar spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “We are aware that negotiations between Mitie and the unions are ongoing.
“If there is any impact on services, we will update customers as soon as possible.”
On its website, it said: “We do not anticipate an impact on Eurostar services resulting from the potential Mitie strike action.”
Eurostar will also be running a reduced timetable between 13 and 17 December due to the strikes on the UK network.
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Although Eurostar staff are not involved in those strikes, they will have an impact on the service’s running hours.
Eurostar passengers can check the company’s revised timetable to find out if their train is cancelled.
If it is cancelled, passengers can exchange their booking for free to travel at another time, cancel and claim an e-voucher or cancel and claim a refund.
Passengers may need to travel to the station earlier than planned and should receive an email if this is the case.
Britons will need to plan their journey carefully as there is expected to be major disruption on British railways.
Passengers are also expected to face disruption at UK airports this Christmas due to Border Force industrial action.
British tourists may be forced to wait on planes at the busiest times if Border queues are too long.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow Airports are likely to be affected.
