Strike warning in row over solo shift

Eurostar passengers could face disruption over Easter as staff prepare to vote on strike action in a dispute over the “victimisation” of a colleague.

The rail union RMT has confirmed it has begun balloting its members at St Pancras International over a gross misconduct charge given to a female train manager.

The vote closes on Tuesday, March 15, a week before Easter, potentially forcing passengers travelling from Ebbsfleet or Ashford to find alternative arrangements for the holidays.

The dispute centres on a woman who, according to the RMT, objected to a request to work on a Eurostar service where she would have needed to cover a section of the route alone.

The union said the staff member was acting in accordance with their policy to refuse to work solo on a train, due to safety concerns.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “The outrageous decision taken by Eurostar management to discipline our member in this manner is totally unacceptable. This is a situation that the union will not allow to go unchallenged. Our members recognise full well that it could be them next and that it is imperative that they stand together.

“RMT is urging all members to demonstrate the strength of feeling to the company in this dispute by returning a massive YES vote in the ballot for industrial action.

“The risks of asking a member of staff to work alone are obvious to everyone and the fact that there is currently a heightened level of security alert on these international services only reinforces the union’s case.

“The union remains available for talks.”

Passengers have been warned to face disruption as Eurostar staff prepare to go on strike