More than 100 security staff working for Eurostar are poised to strike on December 16, 18, 22 and 23 in a dispute over pay.
The staff are members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and some earn as little as £10.66 per hour, according to a union statement.
They have rejected a below-inflation pay offer and backed strike action with an 81% ‘yes’ vote, said the RMT.
The union added: “The strike action will severely affect Eurostar services and travel plans for people over the December period.”
Clive Wratten, chief executive of the Business Travel Association, commented: “The Eurostar strikes are another disappointing blow to business travellers across the country.
“We urge the government and the unions to come to a better conclusion so that travel may get back on track ahead of a busy Christmas period.”
The RMT pointed out that the staff are contracted out to facilities management company Mitie, which made £50 million in profit between March and September this year.
Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, said: “Eurostar security staff are essential to the running of Eurostar, and it is disgraceful they are not being paid a decent wage.
“They work long, unsocial hours and a multimillion-pound company like Mitie can easily afford to pay them decently for the essential work they do.
“We do not want to disrupt people’s travel plans, but our members need a pay rise, and this is the only way management will listen.
“I urge Mitie and Eurostar to come to a negotiated settlement with RMT as soon as possible.”
Eurostar spokesperson commented: “We are aware that negotiations between Mitie and the unions are ongoing. If there is any impact on services we will update customers as soon as possible.”