TUBE UNION RMT confirmed today that it is to begin balloting tube cleaners working for ISS and Initial for both strike action and action short of a strike in disputes over pay, pensions and benefits.

RMT is demanding that the cleaners, who do some of the dirtiest jobs often in appalling conditions to keep the tube running, should receive in return:

• A substantial, above inflation Pay Increase
• A substantial Olympic Bonus, in line with the payments offered to LOROL staff
• A Sick Pay Scheme
• Free Travel Passes for All
• Improvements to the Pension Scheme

Despite attempts to resolve these issues with the companies through negotiations both ISS and Initial have failed to come up with offers that end the exploitation of the tube cleaners and which reward them with pay, pensions and working conditions that reflect the crucial role that the staff play in delivering a clean and safe tube environment.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“Once again RMT is forced to move to a ballot for industrial action to secure a fair deal for our cleaner members and to end the exploitation of these groups of staff who work round the clock in the most appalling conditions to keep the tube running.

These cleaning staff are an integral part of the London Underground team and should be properly rewarded as such and not just seen as a money making tool to be exploited for every last penny in the interest of private profits.

In the run up to the Olympics it is simply scandalous that the staff who will be keeping the transport system clean for the millions of visitors to this City are being treated like dirt.

This ballot for action with these two companies will commence shortly and RMT would urge Londoners to back this campaign for justice for our cleaners and join us in forcing the Mayor and London Underground to drag ISS and Initial back to the negotiating table to resolve these disputes.”