Chunnel drivers to strike over union rights

Channel Tunnel services face disruption in the run up to Christmas after drivers vowed to stage a series of one-day strikes.

Channel Tunnel services face disruption in the run up to Christmas after drivers vowed to stage a series of one-day strikes.

They will walk out on five Mondays between November 20 and December 18 in a row over union recognition.

The drivers' union Aslef said it expected the strike to severe;y restrict services, although this was denied by operator Eurotunnel.

The row is over Eurotunnel's decision to grant sole union recognition to the Transport and General Workers Union. Aslef maintains it should represent train drivers.

The strikes follow a vote for industrial action by 88 to 61 by members of Aslef.

Eurotunnel said there was no need for people to change their travel plans.

French-based drivers will be working normally so services will run, said the company, adding that some of its drivers were not members of Aslef so were not expected to join the action.

The walkouts will also be on November 27 and December 4 and 11.