Eurostar says services will run as normal over the Bank Holiday

Action over pay by workers at Chubb is planned for 26 and 27 August.

The security firm declined to comment until after the talks. Eurostar said on Friday it did not expect the strike to affect Bank Holiday weekend services.

The RMT union told BBC Radio Kent on Monday it was concerned at the train operator's view that a lack of security guards would have little effect.

Eurostar said on Monday: "Our point still stands. We have contingency plans in place.

For the company to say it will have little effect I find surprising and worrying Mick Cash

"The RMT is not the whole of Chubb and it won't affect the whole operation if some staff walk out for three hours.

"Services won't be affected."

But Mick Cash, RMT assistant general secretary, said: "Our members are specially trained security guards doing work such as looking after x-ray machines, personal searches, metal detectors.

"For the company to say it will have little effect I find surprising and worrying."

He said he expected the number of searches to increase during strike action, causing disruption.

The union is seeking an interim pay award while talks continue about a long-term pay deal.

According to the union, an imposed rise of 3% was imposed this year but Mr Cash said: "Three per cent of �6.36 an hour is not very high."

A statement issued by Chubb said: "Further talks are planned for Monday therefore it would be previous to comment on the specifics of any negotiations until this meeting has taken place."