Wages strike by rail cleaners who worked through Covid
Friday, 22nd July 2022
Saturday’s strike marked the 26th walk-out by cleaning staff since February
• MIDST the widely reported – and entirely justified – industrial action by RMT-organised workers across Network Rail and 14 train-operating companies other RMT members have been mounting strikes in Camden.
On Saturday July 16 dozens of cleaners employed on several outsourced contracts with Churchill Contract Services at King’s Cross and St Pancras stations as well as Eurostar struck for the third straight day.
Since February this year the workers have walked out for 26 days and are now completing another strike ballot, expected to show strong support for further action.
The RMT members, who worked through the worst of the Covid pandemic, are battling to win a £15 an hour wage as well as occupational sick pay and the travel concessions afforded directly employed staff.
Until a recent upgrade to the £11.05 an hour London Living Wage many cleaners received only the national minimum rate (£9.50) in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Churchill, their employer, reported profits of £11.1million and rewarded shareholders with some £12million in dividends with directors raking in a £3.8million pay-out.
The struggle by this diverse group of low-paid workers shouldn’t be forgotten against the backdrop of the national disputes on the railways.
They have already paid the price for rounds of privatisation and outsourcing in terms of chronically low pay and much worse contractual rights.
Your readers can help support the RMT-organised cleaners employed by Churchill by signing an online petition addressed to the company’s directors at bit.ly/3xk4JCq and by donating to the union’s crowdfunder bit.ly/3NHPRoe.
GEORGE BINETTE
Vice-chair,
Camden Trades Council
c/o Camden UNISON, the Crowndale Centre, NW1
