Eurostar cleaners call off strike

Cleaners are against the use of fingerprints to clock in staff members

Cleaners working on Eurostar trains have called off a planned series of strikes over jobs and pay.

It follows "positive discussions" between the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and cleaning contractor Carlisle Group on Thursday.

Staff at London's St Pancras International had planned to strike on 23 and 25 October and 6 and 8 November.

Fresh talks will be held with Carlisle Group at the conciliation service Acas next week, the RMT said.

Further talks

In addition to concern about jobs and pay, the cleaners have also been protesting against the use of fingerprinting machines which replaced old-style clocking-in machines at the station in April.

Bob Crow, the RMT's general secretary, said: "As a result of further positive discussions and further proposals it has been agreed to suspend the proposed industrial action on Friday and Sunday.

"Carlisle and RMT will take part in further negotiations at Acas next week in order to achieve a comprehensive settlement to the dispute."