25 February 2026
RMT Press Office:
Strike action on the Windrush Line will take place this Thursday after Cleshar CS Ltd failed to table a new pay offer despite repeated talks with the union.
Signalling, telecoms, and track maintenance workers have been offered just a 1.5 per cent pay rise, well below RPI inflation, and the company has refused to offer any improvement.
Keeping basic pay low is incentivising excessive overtime across the workforce leading to increased fatigue, union activists have said.
In safety-critical roles, that creates unacceptable risks and puts passenger safety potentially in jeopardy.
The employer is recklessly using this tactic of relying heavily on overtime instead of addressing the pay aspirations of members and dealing with understaffing.
Members are also raising serious concerns about underpayment of overtime and annual leave, alongside cuts to sick pay and paternity pay compared to arrangements under the previous contractor.
Strike action will take place on Thursday 26 February, Thursday 26 March and Thursday 23 April 2026, with each stoppage lasting 24 hours.
These workers carry out safety-critical duties and without their work, the Windrush line cannot operate safely.
Cleshar CS Ltd made a profit of £991,915 in its most recent financial year.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said:“Cleshar has failed to table a new offer and has left our members with no option but to take strike action.
“Instead of addressing low basic pay, the company is driving excessive overtime to keep the job covered.
"The employer is displaying a cavalier attitude which is totally unacceptable.
“We remain ready to reach a negotiated settlement, but that requires Cleshar to come forward with a serious and reasonable offer.”
END
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