Eurotunnel strike for this weekend

EUROTUNNEL has suspended ticket sales for this weekend because of a planned strike by French workers.

The industrial action by four unions will disrupt services between Calais and Folkestone on August 27 and 28 - one of the busiest periods of the year.

Some 100,000 passengers were expected to use Eurotunnel this weekend, as holidaymakers return home from their summer break. Eurostar services are unaffected.

The unions have called a rolling strike and are demanding 14 months of pay each year - up from 13 at present - according to local newspaper La Voix du Nord.

Eurotunnel says on its website: "We are facing the likelihood of industrial action in France this Bank Holiday weekend. This action could cause potential disruption to our normal commercial service including delays on the approach road before Eurotunnel check-in.

"Please do not change your travel plans. You should check-in at least 30 minutes before and no more than 2 hours before your booked departure time. All of our trains are scheduled to run and whilst our timetable may be subject to change we are committed to getting you to the UK with the least possible disruption."

The rail operator advises passengers to bring extra drinks and snacks, entertainment for children and to "take advantage of toilet facilities at a service station".

Ferry operator SeaFrance said in a statement: "In view of the planned strike action from Eurotunnel employees this Bank Holiday weekend, SeaFrance currently has space available on all sailings throughout the weekend to and from Dover and Calais.

"Passengers are advised to book as soon as possible as the company is already seeing an increase in bookings for the weekend."

Photo: Amanda Slater/Flickr