The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) is escalating its campaign to bring cleaning contracts on the London Underground back under direct public control, arguing that outsourced staff are being denied fundamental workplace rights.
Protest Planned Over "Injustice"
A major demonstration is scheduled to take place on Thursday at City Hall, highlighting what the union describes as a two-tier workforce on the Tube network. The RMT states that more than 2,000 cleaners are employed through private contractors, creating a stark divide between them and directly employed London Underground staff.
According to the union, these outsourced cleaners work for companies that prioritise profit over people. They receive no company sick pay and are offered only the statutory minimum pension, provisions that fall far short of the standards enjoyed by their in-house colleagues.
Union Condemns "Poverty" Conditions
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey issued a powerful statement condemning the current system. He said, "London Underground cleaners keep our city moving every single day, yet they remain denied sick pay, stuck on poverty pensions and outsourced to companies whose priority is extracting profit, not providing a public service."
Dempsey emphasised that the planned protest will showcase the depth of anger about this injustice and the widespread support for bringing these essential roles back into the public fold.
Transport for London's Stance
In response to the growing pressure, a spokesperson for Transport for London (TfL) offered a measured comment. The spokesperson confirmed that the organisation is open to the idea, stating, "We continue to consider insourcing where it brings clear benefits for both value and service delivery."
This leaves the door open for potential change, but falls short of the immediate commitment the RMT and its members are demanding. The outcome of the demonstration and continued union pressure could be pivotal in deciding the future of these vital workers.
