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Eurostar strikes Friday, Saturday

16 Dec 2009

Talks between ASLEF and Eurostar concerning international allowances have broken down this afternoon and industrial action will be taking place on Friday and Saturday.

The problem has arisen because the real value of drivers' international allowances has declined as the value of the pound sterling has dropped compared with the euro. Allowances have been increased in line with UK inflation, but this has not matched the exchange rate. Thus the 71 ASLEF represented drivers lose money when they are in Belgium or Paris. The union claims that a formula exists to rectify the problem which the company is not implementing.

There is likely to be some inconvenience to passengers which ASLEF says is entirely due to an inflexible approach by Eurostar.

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  • 1. Dec 18 2009 11:46AM, Volodya Ulyanov wrote:

    I understand that the buying power of the English drivers' expenses and allowances has decreased in Europe -- but the buying power of the French and Belgian drivers has increased by the same amount. Shouldn't you be striving for an equalization of this injustice by taking the issue up with the French union, instead of trying to disrupt your passengers' Christmas? (The passengers really aren't responsible for the weakness of the sterling after all...)

  • 2. Dec 17 2009 2:57PM, Jennifer wrote:

    I support their grievance, but why inconvenience the public, the powers that be will not be inconvenienced by this strike. My first time to Paris with my daughter and I really do not want to have problems trying to get back to London!! Sort it out

  • 3. Dec 17 2009 1:59PM, Jonathan Carruthers wrote:

    So because the exchange rate is bad the drivers are striking? And the offer on the table is GBP 600 INCREASE in the allowance for lunches? Perhaps the members should grow up a bit and take a packed lunch to work! I am looking forward to my trip to Paris this weekend which I have saved for over several months, which will now be disrupted by selfish drivers. Perhaps the drivers should realise that a) exchange rates fluctuate. If the pound strengthens will your members be volunteering this money back???? b) striking really, really annoys the general public especially when it is about lunch money. c) there is a recession on, deal with it. I am now off to buy my own lunch. Jonathan Carruthers

  • 4. Dec 17 2009 11:44AM, Kevin Littlefield. wrote:

    I think you have a good case and a fair point. But why strike at Christmas where you have a disproportionate effect on ordinary people who are just trying to be with their families. It means that average working people have their Christmas plans ruined or have to spend out excessive money to try and travel another way. It doesn't sound much like solidarity with working people and you just drive people away who may have supported you. I am a socialist I am utterly sick of transport strikes which seem designed to hit normal people harder than the corporates you claim are your targets.