LABOUR REPRESENTATION COMMITTEE www.l-r-c.org.uk

*PRESS NOTICE* *PRESS NOTICE*

The LRC supports demonstration against victimisation of tube cleaners

The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) supports the RMT Tube cleaners who will be demonstrating tomorrow (8th January 09) at the Greenwich offices of cleaning contractor ISS against its victimisation of union reps following last year’s successful strike for the London living wage.

One RMT rep has already been sacked and another faces disciplinary charges in vindictive attacks on the union following its historic victory against ISS and other Tube cleaning contractors.

John McDonnell MP, Chair of the LRC, said…

‘Being able to engage in trade union activities is a basic human right. It is a disgrace that since the strike action in July, large numbers of trade union activists have faced victimisation and disciplinary action.’

'I completely support the living wage campaign led by the RMT tube cleaners - who provide an essential job for Londoners and yet face daily exploitation and abuse.’

Note to editors:

* Some 700 RMT cleaners working for cleaning subcontractors ISS, ITS, ICS and GBM took strike action in June and July last year, winning a commitment to pay the London living wage of at least £7.45 an hour.

* Clara Osagiede, secretary of RMT’s tube cleaners’ group, faces a gross misconduct charge despite being on recognised union duties when she was accused of failing to return to her workplace. Local rep Mary Boakye has already been fired on trumped-up charges of sleeping on the job. Both face hearings on Thursday, and RMT members and supporters will gather at 11 am outside the company’s Greenwich office, Hamilton House, 15 Park Vista, SE10 9LZ.

* John McDonnell MP and Tony Benn, on behalf of the LRC, have written to ISS to express support for Clara Osagiede and Mary Boakye.

* The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) is a democratic organisation with six national trade union affiliates (including the RMT).