In a salary dispute, Eurostar security personnel will go on strike for four days in the days leading up to Christmas.
The walkouts are scheduled to occur on December 16, 18, 22, and 23.
Employed by a private contractor, Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the action.
More than one hundred security personnel employed by facilities management business Mitie are expected to strike.
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, stated that Eurostar’s security personnel are “vital” to the operation of the train and that it is “disgraceful” that they are not given a living wage.
“They work long, unsociable hours, and a multimillion-pound company like Mitie can easily afford to compensate them fairly for the indispensable work they perform.
Several times over the past few months, the United Kingdom’s railways have been disrupted by strike action in a dispute over wages, job losses, and changes to terms and conditions.
In the next weeks, more activity is scheduled
The RMT has announced strike dates of 13-14 December, 16-17 December, 3-4 January, and 6-7 January against Network Rail and fourteen railway operators.
In a pay dispute, the railway drivers’ union Aslef has also staged walkouts, however, no additional strikes are planned at this time.
And workers in other areas of the economy have either taken or planned industrial action in protest of working conditions, pensions, and salaries.
There have already been strikes by Royal Mail employees, University and College Union members, and airline ground handlers. Nurses and paramedics are among those considering future action.
The strike action has been motivated by growing prices – the annual rate of inflation is greater than 11% – which has resulted in pressure on workers as living expenses climb faster than wages.
Numerous employees are now requesting compensation raises commensurate with the rising cost of living.
Since last year, energy and food prices have increased due to the conflict in Ukraine and the impact of the Covid epidemic.
