Greens back calls to end exploitation of rail cleaners

4th Jan 2007

The Green Party backs a union demanding a fair deal for rail cleaners.

The Green Party backs the RMT (the union for railway industry cleaners) in their fight for a fair deal for rail cleaners who currently endure some of the worst conditions and lowest pay in their sector. Principal speaker Derek Wall pledged his support to the RMT, who seek to lift cleaners out of poverty through an increased minimum wage, proper sick pay and pensions schemes; and attacked the exploitation of private cleaning companies.

Derek Wall said, "The Green party supports the campaign for a living wage for rail cleaners, cleaners who carry out work which is both essential and unpleasant deserve an adequate reward. The recent rise in fares is clearly not being used to raise pay for those who work in rail".

"The worst aspect of this is the combination of pay cuts and loss of career opportunities resulting from privatisation, and the Green party supports the RMT's calls to bring the cleaning service back in- house".

"Ultimately to provide an efficient service, adequate pay and conditions and economic fares, rail must be renationalised".

Bob Crow the RMT General Secretary commented on the current conditions for rail cleaners; "Our cleaner members frequently have to deal with awkward, or even violent, members of the public and clean up vomit and excrement. Rail industry cleaners are expected to remove body parts after suicides or accidents. Without cleaners, the railway system would quickly disappear under a torrent of rubbish. Yet cleaners are expected to live on extremely low rates of pay and without even the basic employment conditions which are common throughout the railway industry".

The RMT is organising a demonstration at City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA (London Bridge Tube) on Monday 8th January at 10am and welcomes public support.