MITIE CLEANERS FIGHT FOR LIVING WAGE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2013 :: RMTnews 5 R MT cleaning members working for sub- contractors Mitie on First Great Western took strike action earlier this month demanding a living wage and an end to zero hours contract. Pickets were out in force across the franchise in a show of support for the lowest paid groups of staff on the lucrative First Great Western service. Following a claim for a substantial increase in rates of pay and improvements to conditions of service the company only offered a two per cent increase effective from the April 2013 anniversary date, effectively a pay cut. Yet First Great Western (FGW) and Mitie continue to make significant profits at members’ expense off the backs of these staff. The union claim included increased sick pay in line with FGW rates, shift and weekend rates, overtime and bank holiday rates, travel facilities on FGW and an end to zero hour contracts. These were all rejected by the company in an act of provocation which sparked the current dispute. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that members working for Mitie had shown guts and determination throughout this long fight for workplace and pay justice. “This battle is about achieving a living wage and ending the scandal of zero hours contracts on a rail franchise which is multi- million pound money-spinner for the private companies bleeding it dry, while those doing the dirty jobs to keep the services clean are treated with pure and utter contempt. “First recently landed a jackpot rollover with a two year contract extension on Great Western that will make them and their sub-contractors a fortune and cleaners deserve a living wage, decent sick pay and benefits and an end to the evil of zero hours contracts,” he said. MITIE CLEANERS FIGHT FOR LIVING WAGE