French strike hits Eurostar services
Eurostar has told passenger not to travel unless “absolutely necessary”.
The rail link between London St Pancras and mainland Europe has been hit by industrial action by French customs officers.
The action saw delays of up to five hours over the weekend, with similar disruption expected today.
Four trains were cancelled on Sunday.
The firm has also cancelled three trains on Monday, two on Tuesday and three on Wednesday.
**UPDATE** The congestions in Paris Gare Du Nord is ongoing and queues are over 5 hours long, we are still advising passengers to not travel unless absolutely necessary as there is a strong possibility we will not be able to get you home tonight.
— Eurostar (@Eurostar) March 16, 2019
“We recommend not to travel unless absolutely necessary,” Eurostar advised in a statement.
Industrial action is expected to continue until tomorrow.
“These delays impact our planned timetables and cause subsequent cancellations,” the firm added.
Customs officers are demanding higher pay and better working conditions.
They also want more staff which they say will be needed after Brexit, to help process British citizens who will no longer have European Union passports.