(C) Darren B Hillman
Outsourced cleaners working on the Merseyrail network have won an improved pay and conditions deal following pressure from planned strike action, the RMT union confirmed today.
Staff employed by Churchill Services, the private contractor responsible for cleaning services on Merseyrail, had threatened a 48-hour walkout in pursuit of better pay and working conditions. The strike has now been suspended after the company returned to the table with an improved offer.
Under the revised agreement, cleaners will receive an uplift in pay of nearly 7%, 20 days of paid sick leave, and enhanced overtime rates—marking a significant improvement on the contractor’s previous offer.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey praised the determination of the union’s members, saying:
“This is a great victory for some of our lowest paid workers. The improved offer would not have been possible without the strong resolve of our members who stood firm against a stubborn employer.”
Despite welcoming the deal, the union has renewed calls for Merseyrail’s cleaning staff to be brought back in-house and placed on the same terms and conditions as directly employed staff.
“It remains our view that these workers should be insourced immediately,” said Mr Dempsey.
The agreement comes after growing pressure on rail operators and contractors across the UK to address concerns over the treatment of outsourced staff, many of whom receive lower pay, inferior sick leave, and reduced benefits compared to directly employed colleagues.
