31 July 2026
RMT Press Office:
Cleaners on Merseyrail employed by outsourcing firm Churchill Services will take 24-hour strike action against low pay next week on Friday August 7 to Saturday August 8.
Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, Churchill has refused to put forward an acceptable offer, leaving workers no other option but to take strike action.
The union believes that Churchill can improve the current pay offer as the company reported a post-tax profit of £15.3 million for the 2025 financial year, and distributed dividends of approximately £13.5 million. Moreover, the company’s highest paid director, who is also a significant shareholder, received remuneration of £603,000.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that the company clearly had the capacity to fund the relatively small additional cost required to maintain the current pay differential sought by members.
“Churchill must recognise that our members are some of the poorest paid in our industry and need a pay offer that lifts them out of poverty.
“The current offer falls well short of that modest demand and now we must make the employer understand that our members are serious about securing a fair pay deal.
“It also remains our view that these workers should be insourced immediately so they can receive the same terms and conditions as directly employed Merseyrail staff,” he said.
RMT remains open to talks, but if Churchill refuses to engage, the union will escalate its industrial campaign.
ENDS
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