RMT confirms strike action by cleaners on GWR

12 December 2016

RMT Press Office:

RMT confirms strike action by cleaners on GWR after massive 98% yes vote.

Following last week’s ballot result overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action, RMT’s National Executive Committee has taken the decision to call on all Servest UK members working on the GWR Contract to take the following strike action:

Not to book on for any shifts that commence between:-

• 0559 on Friday 16th December 2016 and 0558 on Saturday 17th December 2016
• 0559 on Friday 23rd December 2016 and 0558 on Saturday 24th December 2016.

The dispute involves cleaners working on GWR and is over a number of issues including: pay; parity with GWR Staff; annual leave; provision of safety clothing and an agreement for a permanent workforce and an end to the use of agency workers. The union is calling for current agency workers to be made members of GWR staff to end the current situation of a two tier workforce.

The issues have come to a head as a result of the failure of members terms and conditions to be safeguarded when they were transferred over to Servest UK from Mitie on the GWR contract.

RMT balloted 189 members and had a 58% turnout. 98% voted for strike action and 98% for action short of a strike in the ballot.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said:

“Our cleaner members have voted decisively for action on GWR. RMT will not stand by while they are mercilessly exploited by privateers, while rail companies fill their coffers as fares soar through the roof.

“GWR and Servest UK need to do the right thing and immediately resolve the issues relating from the transfer of staff and bring these workers back in house so that they are on the same terms and conditions as the rest of the staff.

“The union remains available for talks.”

Ends.