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RMT calls for urgent talks with government over Eurostar cuts

RAILWAY union RMT has urged the government to support cross-Channel rail firm Eurostar after it revealed plans to make cutbacks.

The union said today that Eurostar’s plan to cut costs by 20 per cent would have a major impact on jobs and services.

RMT has entered talks with the aim of protecting staff employed across the Eurostar operation.

Mick Lynch, the union’s assistant general secretary,  said: "RMT will be seeking urgent talks with the government to stop this cull of jobs and services, which would leave Britain ill-equipped to kick-start the economy with cross-Channel tourism and trade.”

A Eurostar spokesman said: "The impact of Covid-19 has led to an unprecedented fall in demand across the travel industry.

"We are taking steps to protect Eurostar for the long term by reducing costs across the business, and are taking a considered approach to reducing our payroll costs, working closely with trade-union partners.

"We are looking to introduce reduced hours and part-time working wherever possible throughout 2021 to protect as many jobs as possible and retain the knowledge, skills and experience of our people for the recovery, keeping any potential redundancy to a minimum."

 

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