Eurostar promises limited disruption to service as workers begin first of four strikes

The row between the rail operator and the RMT focuses on work-life balance Credit: PA

Eurostar workers have begun the first of four planned strikes, with the rail operator promising disruption to the service would be limited.

Two trains to and from London and Brussels were cancelled on Friday, but Eurostar said it will run a normal service on Saturday and insisted cancellations had been limited to just 4% of the service.

A Eurostar spokesman said: "All passengers booked to travel this weekend will be able to.

"We have made some small changes to our timetable, with all passengers due to travel on affected trains notified in advance, to allow them to change their booking to another train on the same day."

Two trains to and from London and Brussels were being cancelled on Friday Credit: PA

Talks were being planned to try to resolve the row between the rail operator and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union over shift patterns and well-being issues.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said on Friday: "Our Eurostar train manager members are solid, determined and united this morning as they kick off the first phase of strike action in a fight for a decent work-life balance."

Only 4% of services have been affected Credit: PA

The following services have been cancelled:

Friday 12 August:

  • 9114, 08:04 departure from London to Brussels

  • 9133, 12:52 departure from Brussels to London

Saturday 13 August:

  • A normal service will run

Sunday 14 August:

  • 9035, 14:13 departure from Paris to London

  • 9045, 16:43 departure from Paris to London

  • 9016, 10:01 departure from London to Paris

  • 9040, 16:31 departure from London to Paris

Monday 15 August:

  • 9008, 07:55 departure from London to Paris

  • 9013, 08:43 departure from Paris to London

Eurostar said passengers due to travel on affected trains would be notified in advance and allowed to change their booking to another train on the same day.