Train managers at Eurostar are to walk out on strike for seven days as part of a long-running dispute over work-life balance at the train operator.

Four days of strike action will being at 00:01 Friday, lasting until 23:59 hours on Monday.

A further three days of strike action will begin at 00:01 on Saturday August 27th, ending at 23:59 on Monday, August 29th.

Some 80 members of the RMT Union are expected to join the strike.

The organisation said earlier the dispute centres on Eurostar’s failure to honour an agreement from 2008 which sought to ensure that train managers could expect a good work-life balance in terms of unsocial hours and duty rosters.

RMT members voted in favour of strike action on the basis that Eurostar had failed to honour their commitments and the fact that work-life balance was being repeatedly undermined.

RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, said: “Our train manager members at Eurostar have a heavy commitment to shift work and unsocial hours and are sick and tired of the company’s failure to honour agreements.

“Our members have every right to have a fair work-life balance that fulfils the operational needs of the company while guaranteeing quality time off for friends and family.”

Eurostar attempted to play down the significance of the strike.

Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson said: “On the days of the strike we have made some small changes to our timetable to ensure that all passengers booked to travel will be able to on those days.

“Passengers affected will be notified in advance.”

The rail operator added it has been planning for possible strike action and is still in discussions with the RMT over the dispute.