Travel question of the day: Simon Calder on Eurostar disruption

Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our expert Simon Calder

It’s unlikely there will be Eurostar strikes this winter (Getty)

Q I see that Eurostar staff have been on strike. I normally go to Paris for a day before Christmas for shopping and lunch. Should I wait before I book in case of disruption?

Elaine White, London

A No. UK train managers working for the cross-Channel passenger service began industrial action on 12 August because they believe their rosters are not being fairly assigned. In the first tranche of strike action, over four days, a total of eight trains were due to be cancelled: two between London and Brussels, six between London and Paris. Passengers booked to travel on these trains were invited to choose between going earlier or later.

In fact, the strike lasted only one day before it was called off with the two sides resuming talks. It appears that an amicable outcome is likely unlike the more deep-seated issues on UK domestic trains, in which the RMT is also embroiled. So I would book with confidence, for two reasons: first, because I think it unlikely there will be any strikes; and second because industrial action is unlikely to affect your chosen services. And here’s a third reason: I’ve just made a search at random for 13 December, and you can have your choice of trains at £58 return.

Every day, our travel correspondent, Simon Calder, tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder