Cunard boss welcomes calling off of rail strike

By Phil Davies

The boss of Cunard has voiced relief that the Bank Holiday Monday rail strike, which threatened the journeys of thousands of spectators to the line’s historic 175th anniversary celebrations in Liverpool, was suspended yesterday.

The suspension of the threatened industrial action came as the line puts the finishing touches to its plans for the ‘Three Queens on the Mersey’ event on Monday.

Cunard’s three ships - Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria - are due to appear together for the first time in the company’s spiritual home in an event expected to draw huge numbers of visitors.

Cunard director, Angus Struthers, said: “It’s a great relief to know that the rail strike is suspended and that the crowds who we know are looking forward to seeing the three Queens in Liverpool on Bank Holiday Monday can now make their travel plans with confidence.

“The three Queens event involves the biggest ships ever to manoeuvre together on the Mersey performing a ‘river dance’ in front of the Three Graces, on Liverpool’s historic waterfront, to celebrate Cunard’s 175th anniversary year.

“It’s promising to be the biggest event on the Mersey for decades and we are delighted to know that the many people who feel a connection with Cunard will be able to travel in and out of Liverpool without disruption on the day.

“We are looking forward to weLcoming the three Queens into our spiritual home in just a few days.”