Train cleaners go on strike

Hundreds of workers who clean Virgin trains on the west coast main line are to stage a 24-hour strike later this month in a row over pay and union recognition.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers said 300 of its members employed by Carlisle Cleaning & Support Services will walk out on 28 October after voting by 94 per cent for action. The cleaners will refuse to empty train effluent tanks or refill fresh water tanks for 48 hours from 6pm on 4 November.

The union said the cleaners have had a 1 per cent pay increase imposed on them and their employers were planning to de-recognise the RMT.