Merseyrail cleaners backed by MPs over pay dispute

Merseyrail says talks to end the dispute are continuing

Railway cleaners involved in long-running pay and conditions disputes have been backed by a cross-party group of politicians.

The group has written to Merseyrail boss Andy Heath urging him to step in to help resolve disputes on two of the train operator's cleaning contracts.

The letter criticises the "appalling mistreatment" of the cleaners who are employed by contractors.

Mr Heath said talks between contractors and the workers were continuing.

The letter was signed by seven Labour MPs, Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson and 49 Labour, Green, Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors from across Merseyside.

It said the coronavirus pandemic had shown that cleaners perform "an essential service" and put their "lives on the line by coming to work".

'Super-exploitation'

Addressing Merseyrail, the politicians said: "Shamefully, your company is presiding over the appalling mistreatment of this heroic workforce.

"You are the client for these contracts, it's your responsibility. The buck stops with you."

The letter claims the cleaners are striking because Mitie, which has the outsourced contract, "refuses" to pay the "real living wage" leaving them among the lowest paid in the industry.

Workers employed by the other company Stadler are balloting for strike action as their employer "threatens to 'fire and rehire' them on worse contracts", the letter adds.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union general secretary Mick Lynch said its members welcomed "this fantastic support".

"Outsourcing has seen the super-exploitation of low-paid essential workers in search of profit," he said.

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Mr Heath, managing director of Merseyrail, said the cleaning contracts in question were delivered by third parties Mitie and Stadler.

"In relation to the current disputes, we have worked closely with Mitie to support a revised offer being made to the RMT," he said.

"We value the work of the cleaning teams who deliver an important service on our network with a great degree of pride, particularly during the challenges we have faced due to Covid-19."

A Mitie spokesman said it had "a proposal ready to discuss with RMT when we meet this Friday".

"We are a proud champion of our 65,000 frontline heroes who are working in every corner of the UK to deliver vital services to keep the nation running," he said.

Stadler have been contacted for a comment.