Bank Holiday strike threat at Eurotunnel

PA

A strike threat at Eurotunnel could cause havoc for British tourists' Bank Holiday plans this weekend.

French unions are demanding an 8% pay increase and are threatening to walk out at one of the busiest times of the year if they don't get it.

Eurotunnel has stopped taking bookings for new tickets, but are confident they will be able to staff services if workers walk out.

A spokesman told Travel Weekly: 'We have been notified of possible strike action and are now taking all steps possible to mitigate any disruption should it go ahead.

'We are, for example, ensuring British train drivers will be available and we can send British staff to man the terminal in France if necessary. We would hope, even if action does take place, to still be able to offer a full service.

'However, we have taken the step to suspend bookings for the weekend.'

French ferry firm SeaFrance says it has space available on all Dover-Calais sailings over the weekend.'

But a spokesperson told Travel Mole passengers should book 'as soon as possible as the company is already seeing an increase in bookings for the weekend'.

The company also advised customers who have booked a crossing this weekend to use the M2/A2 route to Dover to avoid delays that could result from a Eurotunnel strike.

The company are expected to issue an update later today or tomorrow on the strike.

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