Unions raise Channel Tunnel strike and announce reopening “tonight” | EUROtoday

Published on : 12/21/2023 – 3:05 p.m.Modified : 12/21/2023 – 7:58 p.m.

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The Eurotunnel unions introduced, Thursday, December 21, the tip of the shock strike, which started at noon, which had triggered the closure of the Channel tunnel.

“The social crisis movement at Eurotunnel is coming to an end” (…) Channel tunnel exercise will resume this night,” declared Franck Herent, FO delegate, who learn a press launch in entrance of the headquarters in Coquelles , the place staff had gathered. “If the company’s employees are returning to their work, it is because the negotiations that we fiercely conducted during the day with general management brought results which satisfy.”

A shock strike motion led to the closure of the Channel Tunnel on Thursday, inflicting vital disruption whereas the primary departures have already began for the vacations. All Eurostar trains touring by way of the tunnel, in addition to shuttles carrying automobiles and vehicles, have been blocked.

The inter-union spoke in a press launch of “the terrible deterioration of the social climate” inside the firm. According to administration, the unions demanded a tripling of the bonus of 1,000 euros promised to them.

Panic a number of days earlier than Christmas

The announcement of the cancellation of afternoon trains to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from London’s St. Pancras station triggered panic amongst passengers, in line with an AFP journalist current on place.

The many vacationers who have been planning to return to France or Belgium for the vacations rushed to their telephones to attempt to change their ticket for the subsequent day, or to rapidly e-book one of many flights nonetheless out there from the British capital.

Station reception and safety officers – who appeared equally caught off guard – needed to take away passengers who had already handed safety checks and have been on the platform, they advised vacationers within the foyer.

“We are well aware of having caused some disruption. We will meet our customers over the next few hours. We will do our best to welcome them in the best conditions,” commented FO delegate Franck Herent.

With AFP