News

Members voted by a massive 94 per cent for action on pay and union recognition and union membership on the contract has more than doubled since the campaign for fair pay and decent conditions began.

A demonstration in support of the cleaners’ campaign for a living wage and decent conditions is being held at Euston station from 07:00, and picket lines will be in place at workplaces the length of the route. RMT members on the contract will also refuse to empty train effluent tanks or refill fresh water tanks between 18:00 on November 4 and 17:59 on November 6.

Carlisle’s owner, Impellam Group, part of the business empire of top Tory Lord Ashcroft, has increased its profits by almost 30 per cent to £16.2 million in the past year off the backs of its low paid workforce, yet the workforce has been offered a real-terms pay cut.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said:

“Carlisle should understand that our members are not prepared to tolerate low pay and poor conditions any longer from a company that makes millions on the backs of their work.

“Virgin should also recognise that it has a moral obligation not to allow poverty wages to be paid to people who play a key role in providing services to its 20 million passengers.

“With a 94 per cent vote for action and a doubling of RMT membership since this dispute began, Carlisle should recognise the justified anger of its staff.

“Instead of planning to derecognise the union and threatening our members, Carlisle should get around the table and negotiate a sensible, fair deal that reflects the true worth of the hard work that creates Carlisle’s profits.”