Train services in the Channel Tunnel, which connects England and France, stopped due to the strike of workers affiliated with the Getlink company that operates the tunnel.
The strike started because workers demanded a better share of this year's profits. Workers find the company's bonus payment of 36 euros insufficient and demand that it be tripled. Getlink's revenue increased by 1,4 percent in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period last year, reaching XNUMX billion euros.
Due to the strike, passenger, freight and vehicle transportation services cannot be provided through the tunnel. Thousands of passengers were stranded at the Gare du Nord high-speed train terminal in Paris, the capital of France. Some trains returned to Paris.
French Transport Minister Clement Beaune described the strike as "unacceptable" and said, "A solution must be found immediately."
In the statement made by the train operator Eurostar, passengers were asked to postpone their travels. The statement said, "We recommend that you postpone your trip if possible, even if it is until tomorrow."
It is not yet clear how long the strike will last. Negotiations between the parties are continuing.
Possible consequences of the strike
The strike could negatively affect trade and tourism between the UK and France. The decrease in passenger and freight traffic passing through the tunnel may disrupt economic relations between the two countries. Additionally, passengers stranded due to the strike may suffer.
The strike may also cause losses to the Getlink company. It is estimated that the company may lose revenue and increase costs due to the strike.