Train cleaning staff to strike

STAFF who clean Virgin trains on the West Coast Mainline will stage a 24-hour strike this week in a row over pay and union recognition.

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union employed by Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services will walk out on Friday and will also refuse to empty train effluent tanks or refill fresh water tanks for 48 hours from the evening of 4 November.

The union said its members voted by 94 per cent in favour of action in protest at a below-inflation pay offer. General secretary Bob Crow said: “Our members have made it clear they will not accept a real-terms cut in their already low pay.”