Train Cleaners In Manchester To Strike

Workers in Manchester 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 November 4.

The union said its members voted by 94% in favour of action in protest at a below-inflation pay offer as well as moves to de-recognise the RMT.

General secretary Bob Crow said: ``Our members have made it crystal clear with a massive mandate for action that they will not accept a real-terms cut in their already low pay, and will not tolerate their union being de-recognised.''

Workplaces affected by the strike include Birmingham New Street, Crewe, London Euston, Glasgow, Manchester, Preston and Wolverhampton.