Channel Tunnel train drivers in work to rule

Holidaymakers using the Channel Tunnel rail shuttle face disruption from 20 August after drivers voted overwhelmingly for an overtime ban.

Holidaymakers using the Channel Tunnel rail shuttle face disruption from 20 August after drivers voted overwhelmingly for an overtime ban.

Train crews belonging to the drivers' union Aslef voted by 110 to 7 to stop working overtime in protest at management's refusal to negotiate.

Mick Rix, the union's general secretary, called for talks with the company. "Now's the time for Eurotunnel to agree to meet Aslef; it's the union train crews have chosen to represent them," Mr Rix said.

"We are ready to discuss full recognition of our union over the next week so that considerable inconvenience to the travelling public can be avoided. There's no doubt that the action will have a significant impact on services."

Bill Dix, managing director of Eurotunnel Shuttle, expressed disappointment with the result but did not expect the proposed overtime ban to have any effect because overtime working was limited. "It will be business as usual," he said.

Mr Dix said that the company had signed an exclusive agreement with the Transport and General Workers' Union to maintain common pay and conditions for all of its staff.