Highlighting “result-producing” discussions with their management, the Eurotunnel unions announced on Thursday the end of the surprise strike that began at midday and the reopening “this evening” of the Channel Tunnel. The group’s French employees ceased their activity at midday, causing the complete interruption of traffic.
The Eurotunnel unions announced on Thursday the end of the surprise strike that began at midday and the reopening “this evening” of the Channel Tunnel, highlighting “result-producing” discussions with their management. “The social crisis movement at Eurotunnel is coming to an end (…) Channel tunnel activity will resume this evening,” declared Franck Herent, FO delegate, who read a press release in front of the headquarters in Coquelles, in Pas-de-Calais, where employees were gathered.
“Well aware of having caused some disorder”
“This agreement allows the gradual resumption of LeShuttle rail shuttle traffic from this evening and Eurostar tomorrow,” responded the management of Getlink, of which Eurotunnel is a subsidiary. “If the company’s employees are returning to their jobs, it is because the negotiations that we fiercely conducted during the day with general management brought results that satisfy us,” declared Franck Herent, without provide details on the outcome of these discussions.
French Eurotunnel employees went on strike at midday on Thursday, causing the closure of the tunnel and the complete interruption of service. The inter-union spoke in a press release of “the terrible deterioration of the social climate”. According to management, the unions demanded a tripling of the bonus of 1,000 euros promised to them. “We are well aware of having caused some disruption. We will meet our customers over the next few hours. We will do our best to welcome them in the best conditions,” commented Franck Herent.