The UK is in the midst of more rail strikes, but is the Eurostar affected? (Pictures: Getty Images)
After chaos on the railways earlier in 2022, the UK is currently in the midst of even more train strikes this December.
Up to 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union went on strike in July, with further strikes occurring across the summer and the first weekend in October.
The industrial action is over pay, job security, and working condition disputes that have yet to be resolved in negotiations between unions and rail companies.
Speaking after the first of their December strikes concluded yesterday, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch congratulated striking workers’ resolve before going on to say: ‘The cost-of-living crisis is accelerating out of control and the trade union movement is stepping up to the plate across multiple industries to protect workers.’
While people may assume the strikes only affect UK trains, other travel plans could be disrupted – including travel on the Eurostar.
So, do the strikes affect the Eurostar? Here is everything you need to know…
Are Eurostar trains affected by UK rail strikes?
Eurostar staff are not out on strike during the current industrial action. However, there will be a knock-on effect on their services.
The Eurostar website states this is down to running hours being reduced on UK rail lines, including the high-speed line used by Eurostar trains.
You’re going to want to check the Eurostar schedule (Picture: Getty)
The first round of national rail strikes took place earlier this week (on December 13 and 14), with a brief pause today, before they resume tomorrow and Saturday (December 16 and 17).
Eurostar will be running a reduced timetable during the strikes (as well as today) – to find out if your train has been affected, you can check the revised timetable on their website.
Eurostar security staff (RMT members employed by a third-party company called Mitie) were due to go out on strike tomorrow and Sunday. However, the strikes were called off in order to allow them to vote on a pay deal.
Currently, they still have industrial action organised for December 22 and 23, which remain on, with Eurostar disruption likely.
What happens if my Eurostar train is cancelled?
If your original train is cancelled or delayed by more than 60 minutes, you can:
Exchange your booking for free to travel at a different time/date in the same travel class, subject to availability.
Cancel your booking and claim a Eurostar e-voucher valid for 12 months.
Cancel your booking and claim a refund from the person or company who you booked with.
Is your Eurostar journey affected? (Picture: Maciek Musialek/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Find out more about exchanges and refunds on Eurostar’s official website.
Some trains won’t be cancelled but may be scheduled to depart at a different time.
Passengers are advised to download their ticket again for up-to-date information and arrive at the station at the recommended time shown on your updated ticket.
Be aware of possible public transport disruption while travelling to St Pancras in London, too, to get the Eurostar – as there’s disruption across a number of lines.
More: Strikes
It’s wise to expect or plan for a lengthier journey to the station so you don’t get stuck on your way to the Eurostar terminal.
Finally, you can also keep track of Eurostar services updates on their website.
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Find out if your Eurostar travel plans will be disrupted.
